An intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Department of State Services, Kwara State Forest Guards, local hunters and vigilantes has led to the rescue of nine kidnapped victims and the death of three suspected bandits in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The operation was carried out in the Obbo Aiyegunle, Ejiu Ora and Osi areas, which border Kwara and Ekiti States, following security information on the activities of the suspected kidnappers.

The victims, including farmers taken from their farmlands and others abducted from neighbouring Ekiti State, were freed after a gun battle forced the kidnappers to retreat and abandon their captives.

Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti Local Government chairman, Prince Dada Sunday, confirmed the operation and said intelligence gathered by security agencies helped facilitate the rescue mission.

Prince Dada Sunday added that the kidnappers, who were more than 10 in number, had brought together victims seized from different locations before they were confronted by the security team. One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, suffered serious head injuries after being attacked with a machete while resisting abduction.