Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has received 23 abductees rescued by the Nigerian Army following a coordinated military operation on Tuesday.

The victims were handed over to the governor at the 22 Armoured Brigade Headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital.

Governor AbdulRazaq commended the military for their bravery and dedication, noting that the operation reflected the renewed synergy among security agencies in the fight against banditry and kidnapping.

“We thank God that you were all freed following the pressure from the security forces,” the governor said. “We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, as well as the Nigerian Army and other security agencies working together to achieve this success.”

He assured the rescued victims of the government’s commitment to their full rehabilitation. “We are happy to see 23 victims freed and presented today. The government will stand by them in their recovery. The challenges we face are temporary. Like the General Officer Commanding said, it is either these criminals leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony,” he added.

Governor AbdulRazaq also announced plans to deploy forest guards after the military concludes its clean-up operations, aiming to sustain peace and allow farmers to safely return to their lands.