A notorious kidnapper, popularly known simply as Maidawa and some of his accomplices in arms terrorising Kwara state residents and visitors have been reportedly killed. according to an unconfirmed source .
They were eliminated in a fierce encounter with security forces in Isanlu, Isin LGA of Kwara State on September 30, 2025, Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency media expert said.
Security sources said communications intercepted by the State Security Service revealed that Maidawa and some of his associates were neutralised during sting operations conducted along the Kwara -Kogi State border.
The news of Maidawa’s death was reportedly conveyed to other gang members by another wanted kidnapper, Baccujo, while on Igboro-Idofin Road and speaking with associates in Marabar Maigora, Sabuwa LGA, Katsina State.
Authorities noted that the tempo of operations were heightened over the week in respond to fresh directives from the state government to curb kidnappings, which have been targeting civilians across the region.
The security forces have pledged to continue phased operations covering Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi LGAs to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further abductions. That military interventions and efforts to dislodge kidnappers ,bandits and others violence criminal elements were heightened over the past week .