Rescue Operation in Kwara Forest
A joint operation by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the private security outfit of Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has successfully rescued a woman and her son who were kidnapped in Oyo State. The victims, identified as Kubura Aliqlas and her son Abdulmalik, were freed from captivity in Kwara forest on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
The rescue mission was disclosed in a statement by Igboho's media office, made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. According to the statement, the operation involved intelligence gathering, tracking, and a strategy that included luring the abductors with ransom payment. The assailants engaged the security operatives in a gun battle but escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning their captives.
Three-Day Operation Details
The statement revealed that the operation lasted approximately three days. The combined team of police IRT and Igboho's men executed a coordinated assault on the kidnappers' hideout on Saturday morning. The exchange of fire forced the abductors to flee, leaving the victims unharmed. The successful outcome was attributed to effective collaboration between state security forces and local volunteers.
According to Tribune, the media office emphasized that the rescue was made possible through meticulous planning and real-time intelligence. The statement did not disclose the exact location of the rescue within Kwara forest or the current condition of the rescued victims, but it confirmed they were safe and receiving necessary care.
Public Reactions to the Rescue
News of the rescue has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians praising the security operatives and Igboho's team. A user identified as M-viz commented, “Huge respect to every security personnel and local volunteer who puts their life on the line to rescue innocent people. Every successful rescue is a reminder that protecting lives must remain the top priority. Wishing the rescued victims a full and speedy recovery.”
Another user, Olubukola Domingo, expressed confidence that the terrorists are also afraid and need to be confronted with a strong hand. “Have said it, they are afraid as well. We only need to face them and fight back, and this rubbish will stop,” he wrote.
Elu Emma speculated about Igboho's political future, saying, “Wait, Igboho, the presidential candidate of party ...., and the man that built security network of western state! ...just as @officialABAT built Lagos? Just a funny suggestion, quite from street discussion.” Dele Jegede advised against disclosing the location of the rescued victims, stating, “You could afford to keep the hospital name out of your 'copy and paste', but I believe you know what you're doing still.”
Context of Igboho's Security Activities
This rescue operation comes amid heightened tensions in the South-West region over kidnapping and banditry. Sunday Igboho has been active in mobilizing local security efforts, often drawing criticism from northern groups. Previously, the Northern Elders Forum and Arewa Consultative Forum warned that Nigeria could descend into anarchy if the federal government does not address Igboho's actions, particularly after he issued an ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo State over the abduction of a pregnant woman and her relatives.
The successful rescue of Kubura Aliqlas and Abdulmalik highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria and the role of non-state actors in complementing police efforts. The police have not released an official statement on the operation at the time of this report.
