The Kwara State Police Command has rescued the kidnapped Onigbesi of Igbesi, Oba Moses Omotayo, along with two other victims, during a security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state. The monarch and two others were abducted by gunmen in Igbesi community, Isin Local Government Area, on August 22, 2026. One of the kidnappers was neutralized during an exchange of fire with the security team.
Security Operation Leads to Rescue
The command's spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed in a statement on Thursday, August 27, that the victims were rescued during a decisive operation. The statement read: “The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the successful rescue of His Royal Highness, Oba Moses Oyinloye Omotayo, the Onigbesi of Igbesi, alongside two other kidnapped victims, following a decisive security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of Kwara State.”
The operation commenced after a report was received at about 1000 hours at the Oro Police Station from Mr Abdul, a vigilante, who disclosed that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury to the hand while in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro. Acting on this intelligence, the DPO of Oro Police Station led a combined team of police operatives, military personnel, and vigilantes to the reported location.
Gunfight and Neutralization of Kidnapper
On sighting the advancing security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire during which one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralized. The remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding terrain. The security team maintained pressure on the fleeing criminals in a determined pursuit operation.
The rescued victims were identified as Oba Moses Omotayo, Maryam Abubakar, and Aisha Ilyasu. They were immediately evacuated to a hospital, where they received medical attention and are currently safe. The statement noted that the successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, and rapid operational response in confronting violent crime and protecting vulnerable citizens.
Commissioner Commends Team, Vows to Track Fleeing Gang
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, commended the gallantry, courage, and professionalism displayed by the police operatives and their collaborating security partners in bringing the operation to a successful conclusion. The command has intensified efforts to track, arrest, and bring to justice the fleeing members of the kidnapping gang, while further operations are being sustained across identified flashpoints.
The Commissioner reiterated that there will be no safe haven for kidnappers and other violent criminals in Kwara State and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
