AbdulRazaq Vows Total War on Kidnappers as Army Frees 23 Abductees

Abiola Adigun| Albarka 89.9 FM| Ilorin| October 28 2025

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating in the state, declaring that it is “either they leave Kwara or they die here,” following the successful rescue of 23 abductees by the Nigerian Army.
Speaking during the official handover of the rescued victims at the 22 Armoured Brigade Headquarters, Sobi, Ilorin, on Tuesday, the Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support to security forces, and praised the Army and other agencies for the operation that led to the freedom of the captives.
“We thank God that you were all freed following the pressure from the security forces,” AbdulRazaq said. “We also thank the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support, and the Nigerian Army and other security agencies working together to achieve this success.”
The Governor described the rescue as a testament to the renewed synergy among security agencies, adding that Kwara will not be a haven for kidnappers or other violent groups.
“The challenges we are going through are temporary,” he assured. “Like the GoC has said, it is either the criminals leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony.”
AbdulRazaq also announced plans to deploy forest guards once the Army concludes its “clean-up operations” in affected areas, to consolidate peace and restore farming activities disrupted by criminal incursions.
“We have seen a turnaround since the GoC arrived. Many criminals have been arrested or neutralised, and peace is gradually returning to Kwara,” he noted.
The Governor was received by Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, who reaffirmed the military’s commitment to flushing out bandits and kidnappers from the state.
“Your Excellency, we appreciate your support. Without it, many of our operations would not have been possible,” Rume said. “As the GoC instructed, it is either the bandits leave Kwara State or they die here. That is our mandate, and we will see it through.”
The rescued victims, who were kidnapped in parts of the state earlier this month, are currently receiving medical attention at a military facility. Among them was Pastor Obafemi, who recounted their ordeal and expressed gratitude to the government and troops for their rescue.
“It was a very traumatic experience,” Obafemi said. “We thank the Governor and the soldiers for saving our lives. May God strengthen them to continue this fight.”
Kwara, long regarded as the “State of Harmony,” has in recent months witnessed a surge in kidnappings and bandit attacks, particularly in forested border communities. However, the deployment of new military formations and intensified intelligence operations have begun to yield results.
The Governor’s renewed call for “forest guards” aligns with federal efforts to secure rural communities across the North-Central zone. Security analysts view the move as part of a broader strategy to combine kinetic military actions with community-based intelligence gathering to combat banditry and restore normalcy.
AbdulRazaq’s hardline message — “leave or die” — underscores his administration’s resolve to reclaim Kwara from criminal networks and reassert its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states.