Relief has come for families of five Gateway Polytechnic students abducted in Ogun State, as police operatives successfully secured their release in a high-risk rescue mission.
The students, who were kidnapped late on April 27, 2026, in the Sapade area of Ogun State, were freed less than 24 hours later following an intelligence-driven operation by the State Police Command.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the rescue followed a swift response to a distress call received by officers at the Ipara Division.
“The incident was reported at about 2255 hours, prompting the immediate deployment of a patrol team to the scene,” he said.
According to him, operatives discovered an ash-coloured Toyota vehicle abandoned at the location, riddled with bullet holes and stained with blood, alongside mobile phones and other personal belongings.
“Preliminary findings at the scene, including the recovery of a student identity card, confirmed that the victims were students of Gateway Polytechnic, Sapade, necessitating the activation of a full-scale rescue operation,” he stated.
Babaseyi explained that the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, promptly ordered the deployment of tactical units and directed an intelligence-led mission to ensure the safe recovery of the victims.
“In compliance with this directive, operatives from the Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit, Quick Response Squad, and OP MESA were mobilised for coordinated bush-combing and tracking operations,” he said.
He noted that sustained pressure on the kidnappers led to the successful rescue of all five victims on April 28, adding that they were immediately taken for medical attention.
“The victims were rescued unhurt but were taken to a medical facility as a precaution due to the conditions they endured while in captivity,” Babaseyi added.
The police spokesman further disclosed that the kidnappers engaged security operatives in a gun duel during the operation but were forced to flee after being overwhelmed.
“The suspects opened fire on operatives but were repelled by superior firepower and tactical response, forcing them to escape with suspected gunshot wounds,” he said.
He assured that no casualties were recorded among security personnel, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift coordination of all units involved in the operation. Bush-combing efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he stated.
Babaseyi also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information.
“We urge residents to report any suspicious movements to the nearest police formation or through the Command’s emergency lines, as community cooperation remains vital in combating crime,” he said.
