Nine residents of Idi-Iya community near Yaru in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity following their abduction in April 2026. Their release comes amid fresh security operations that led to the arrest of four suspected criminals accused of looting abandoned communities affected by bandit attacks.

Nine residents of Idi-Iya community near Yaru in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after being held captive for several weeks by kidnappers.

According to security sources, the victims were abducted on April 23, 2026, and returned home on Tuesday evening. Their release reportedly followed the payment of a substantial ransom, although authorities have not officially confirmed details of any ransom transaction.

The development has brought relief to families and residents who had anxiously awaited news of the abductees.

A security source disclosed that all nine victims were released alive, contradicting earlier reports and speculations suggesting that two of the abductees may have died while in captivity.

The release coincided with a separate security operation targeting criminal activities in communities affected by banditry across Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Security operatives arrested four suspected members of a gang accused of stealing livestock and household property from villages abandoned by residents fleeing recurring attacks.

According to findings from preliminary investigations, the suspects were apprehended during an early morning operation in Ekudaji near Agbeku while allegedly loading stolen livestock and household items.

Items reportedly recovered from the suspects included goats, sheep, poultry and other household belongings believed to have been taken from deserted homes.

Investigators suspect that the group had been systematically exploiting abandoned communities by stealing domestic animals and looting valuables left behind by displaced residents.

Security sources further alleged that one of the suspects may be linked to a previously foiled kidnapping attempt in Oro Ago and remains under police investigation.

The suspects were reportedly paraded through parts of Igbaja on Tuesday before being taken into custody at the Igbaja Police Station pending further investigation.

The incidents highlight the growing humanitarian and security challenges facing several communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where persistent attacks by armed groups have forced many residents to abandon their homes, farms and livelihoods.

Local stakeholders have praised security operatives for the arrests, describing the operation as an important step toward protecting vulnerable communities.

They, however, called for sustained security deployments, improved surveillance and long-term measures to restore confidence among displaced residents and facilitate their safe return.