A vigilante was shot, and seven kidnapped victims were rescued following a fierce gun battle between security operatives and bandits in a forest near Owa-Onire, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The joint operation on Wednesday was led by a security operative attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser, in collaboration with police officers and local vigilantes.

The security team stormed the kidnappers' hideout, where they encountered armed resistance.

The development, it was gathered, followed a sustained search and rescue effort in the wake of recent abductions in the area.

A heavy exchange of gunfire was said to have ensued, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and retreat deeper into the forest.

Seven victims were said to have been rescued in the operation.

The police confirmed the incident, adding that the injured vigilante operative who sustained a gunshot injury during the encounter is responding to treatment.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, three motorcycles and nine empty AK-47 rifle magazines were recovered from the bandit's hideout.

She listed those rescued as Adam Khadijat, Mamud Miriam, Mumini Ahmed, Hamadu Haruna, Afusatu Ladan, her nine-month-old son, Usman Ladan and Abibat Umaru, adding that the victims have since been reunited with their families.