The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of the four persons abducted during the recent attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, following a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
The victims, comprising a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students, were rescued after security operatives intensified a search-and-rescue mission ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, attributing the successful operation to the combined efforts of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
According to him, Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), immediately after the incident to coordinate a joint operation aimed at securing the victims’ release.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation. The State Security Adviser and the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local security operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued,” Fanwo said.
He noted that while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers recently procured by the state government to strengthen the fight against crime, Governor Ododo had assured journalists that every available resource was being deployed to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to the commissioner, sustained pressure mounted by security personnel eventually forced the kidnappers to flee and abandon their captives.
“A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. The sustained pressure on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee.
“Security operatives remain in the forest and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice. Our resolve is clear: anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law.
“We can confirm that the School Principal, the NECO official and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks,” he added.
Fanwo commended the gallantry and professionalism of personnel of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies involved in the operation, describing the successful rescue as evidence of effective inter-agency collaboration in combating insecurity.
The commissioner also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts.
“The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims. Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property,” he said.
Fanwo reaffirmed the commitment of the Ododo administration to sustaining investments in intelligence gathering, security logistics and collaboration among security agencies to eliminate criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents across the state.
