Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday received 23 abducted persons recently rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army, reaffirming his administration's commitment to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Ajakaye confirmed that the victims were officially handed over to the government during a brief ceremony at the 22 Armoured Brigade Headquarters, Sobi, Ilorin.

The statement quoted the Governor as commending President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their unwavering support in securing the release of the victims.

"We thank God that you were all freed following the pressure from the security forces. We also thank the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, for his support and the Nigerian Army and other security agencies working together to achieve this success," Mr AbdulRazaq said.

The governor congratulated the victims on their freedom and assured them of government support for their rehabilitation, stressing that the administration would continue to strengthen collaboration with the military and other security agencies.

"We've known their plights, and I assure that the government will support them in rehabilitation. The challenges we are going through, I can assure you, are temporary. Like the GoC has said, it is either they (criminals) leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony," he said.

Mr AbdulRazaq appreciated the Army and the new Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, for their commitment to restoring peace in the state, pledging sustained government backing for security operations.

He announced that forest guards would be deployed once the Army concludes its clearance operations in affected areas to maintain peace and enable the return of farming activities.

Mr Rume, in his remarks, lauded the state government's support to the troops and reaffirmed the military's resolve to eliminate criminal elements across the state.

"We will continue to do our best until these miscreants leave this area. The General Officer Commanding has given a clear order: ‘It is either the bandits leave Kwara State or they die.' That is the only mandate I have, and we will do our best to achieve that," he said.

One of the victims, Pastor Obafemi, who shared his experience, described his time in captivity as traumatic and thanked the government and security forces for ensuring their rescue.

"I thank the governor and the troops for the efforts which led to our rescue. God will give you enablement to press forward in this and overcome the people around us that are tormenting us," he said.