A breakthrough has been recorded in the fight against kidnapping after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force rescued an abducted woman and her two-year-old son from a forest hideout in Kwara State.
The operation followed credible intelligence that led security operatives to the suspected location where the victims were being held.
The kidnapping rescue was carried out on Saturday, July 4, 2026, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).
The officers worked alongside local security support groups during the carefully planned mission in the Bode Sadu area of Kwara State.
The successful operation came after weeks of growing concern over kidnapping incidents across different parts of Nigeria.
However, the latest rescue has renewed hope that intelligence-led operations are beginning to produce meaningful results against criminal gangs.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the operatives acted on reliable intelligence that pointed to a forest where the victims were believed to be held captive.
Consequently, security personnel moved into the area to rescue them before the kidnappers could relocate them.
Upon noticing the approaching security team, the suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire in an attempt to stop the operation. Nevertheless, the officers responded swiftly and forced the armed suspects to retreat further into the forest.
Following the exchange, the operatives searched the surrounding area and successfully located the victims inside the kidnappers’ hideout.
The rescued victims were identified as 43-year-old Adijat Kuburat and her two-year-old son, Abdul Malik Hamzat.
Furthermore, both victims were immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment and observation after the rescue operation.
In a statement issued by the Force Headquarters, the police explained that the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and collaboration with local security groups.
The statement noted:
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), in collaboration with local security support groups, on Saturday, 4th July 2026, conducted a tactical operation in a forest at Bode Sadu, Kwara State, where the victims were believed to be held captive.”
The police also revealed that the kidnappers attempted to resist arrest before fleeing the scene.
According to the statement:
“Upon sighting the operatives, the kidnappers opened fire in a bid to resist the operation but were met with a swift tactical response, forcing them to flee deeper into the forest.”
Moreover, security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent similar crimes within the area.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, praised the officers who participated in the mission for their professionalism and bravery.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting lives and tackling violent crimes through intelligence-driven operations.
According to the statement:
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes through sustained intelligence-led and collaborative operations until all criminal elements are brought to justice.”
Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s major security challenges. However, successful rescue operations such as this continue to demonstrate that coordinated security efforts can produce positive results.
