A joint security operation to rescue a kidnap victim in Kwara State on June 23, 2025 ended in heartbreak, as the victim, Alhaji Dauda Isma’il, and an armed vigilante, Haruna Tasusuno, were killed during an exchange of gunfire with the suspected kidnappers in Korori village, Baruten Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama confirmed from sources that a combined team of soldiers, police, local vigilantes, and hunters encountered the kidnappers during a bush combing process. In the exchange of gunfire, Tasusuno was struck in the stomach and later pronounced dead at the General Hospital in Okuta.
One of the suspected kidnappers was also shot dead, and an AK-47 rifle with breach number TK6099 along with 13 rounds of live ammunition was recovered from the scene. However, other members of the gang managed to escape into the forest.
Tragically, the body of the kidnap victim, Alhaji Isma’il, was later discovered in the forest with multiple machete wounds. He was also confirmed dead at the hospital.
Both the vigilante and the victim were buried according to Islamic rites. Meanwhile, the corpse of the neutralised kidnapper was seized and set ablaze by an angry mob before security reinforcements could arrive.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing members of the gang.
