Nine persons abducted by suspected terrorists have been rescued, while three suspected bandits were killed during a joint security operation in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The rescue mission was carried out by the Kwara State-recruited Forest Guards alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilantes in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA, bordering Ekiti and Niger states.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Prince Dada Sunday, the victims were kidnapped from the Eju community after the local market and were being moved through the forest towards Niger State before security operatives intercepted the kidnappers.

One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo-Aiyegunle, recounted that the attack occurred at about 4:57 p.m.

"The attackers appeared suddenly and pointed a gun at my head. Four of them abducted my son and me. I was overwhelmed with fear and fell to the ground. They also took my friend's motorcycle before taking us away," he said.

Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, also from Obbo-Aiyegunle, confirmed that the abductees were held for only a short period before the security team rescued them.

A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, Owolabi Adebayo, said the operation followed credible intelligence gathered during a routine bush-combing exercise.

"We neutralised three of the attackers and rescued nine victims. One of those rescued is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident," he said.

Adebayo, however, appealed for improved logistics and equipment, noting that the criminals possessed sophisticated weapons.

"They are heavily armed. We need more equipment such as body armour, binoculars, night-vision goggles, walkie-talkies and additional ammunition to effectively confront them," he added.

The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, Agbemuko Gabriel, commended the Forest Guards for their courage and professionalism.

"They recently helped us rescue victims kidnapped along the Ora-Yetoro axis. They have continued to provide valuable intelligence and security support, and we appreciate their efforts," he said.

Security operatives also recovered several motorcycles believed to have been used by the fleeing criminals during the operation.

The latest rescue comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen security across the country. Authorities also confirmed that a new Nigerian Army battalion has been approved for Omu-Aran in Kwara South to reinforce security operations in the area.

Security agencies said intelligence-led bush-combing operations and joint patrols would continue across Kwara South and neighbouring border communities to prevent further attacks on residents and farming communities.