Kwara security forces rescue businessman after an attack in Kaiama LGA, killing three suspected bandits and restoring calm in the community

Security forces in Kwara State rescued businessman Tuhkur Sanni and neutralised three suspected bandits during a swift response to an attack on Aboki Community in Kaiama Local Government Area on Tuesday night, July 21, 2026.

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The operation followed an invasion of the community at about 10:15 pm, during which armed men opened fire and reportedly abducted Sanni while residents fled in panic.

The Kwara security forces rescue businessman operation involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, military and local vigilante groups who responded after receiving an emergency alert from community leaders.

A resident, Aliyyu Ahmad, said the attackers operated for about 15 minutes, creating fear as gunshots echoed through the community.

“The bandits came into the community shooting sporadically to create fear. People ran in confusion because they could only hear gunshots in the darkness,” Ahmad said.

He explained that community leaders quickly alerted security agencies through the Kaiama Bokobaru emergency communication platform, which helped trigger the response.

According to Ahmad, security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped businessman, who sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

“From the information available to us, three of the four bandits were neutralised during the operation,” he said.

The attack, however, resulted in the death of a resident identified simply as Musa, who was reportedly shot during the incident.

Confirming the development, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said the joint security team successfully rescued Sanni after he was taken by the attackers.

“One Musa, surname not yet known, was shot dead, while one Tuhkur Sanni was kidnapped and later rescued by teams of police, the military and vigilantes,” Ojo said.

The police commissioner added that three suspected attackers were killed during the confrontation, while efforts were ongoing to track other members of the group.

Residents said the pattern of the attack suggested that Sanni was the main target rather than the entire community.

Ahmad noted that Aboki Community had experienced a similar security challenge about 15 years ago when armed men reportedly attacked the area while pursuing a cattle dealer returning from a livestock market.

He attributed recurring attacks in Kaiama to the area’s proximity to the Kainji Lake National Park and border routes leading towards the Republic of Benin, which he said provide criminal groups with escape routes.

The resident called on the Federal Government to accelerate the deployment of the recently approved military battalion in Kaiama, describing it as a crucial step towards improving security.

He also appealed for stronger action to reclaim forest areas from criminal elements so that farmers could safely return to their farmlands and economic activities could continue without fear.

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The latest incident adds to ongoing security concerns in parts of northern Kwara, where authorities have continued to strengthen cooperation between security agencies and local communities to combat criminal activities.