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The Kogi state government says four persons kidnapped during the recent attack on an “unauthorised” examination centre in Olowa, Dekina LGA, have been rescued.
Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communications, said in a statement on Thursday that the rescue followed a coordinated security operation ordered by Ahmed Ododo, governor of Kogi, immediately after the incident.
Fanwo said Ododo directed Jerry Omodara, his security adviser, to coordinate a joint rescue operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), local vigilante groups and other security agencies.
Gunmen had on Tuesday evening abducted four students from the Government Secondary School (GSS) in Olowa, Dekina LGA of Kogi state.
The principal of the school and a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc staff member were also abducted during the incident.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Just this evening, while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against criminality, the Governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims.
“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.”
The commissioner added that the school principal, the NECO official and the two students had all been rescued safely.
He noted that they are in good condition and are with security agencies for debriefing and medical checks.
Fanwo commended the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the police, local security operatives and other agencies involved in the rescue operation, commending their gallantry and professionalism.
He said their swift response demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
The commissioner also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “steadfast support for the state’s security efforts”.
He said the president directed security chiefs to provide Kogi with all the support needed to rescue the victims.
Fanwo said the Ododo administration would sustain efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, assuring residents that the government would continue investing in intelligence, security logistics and inter-agency collaboration to keep Kogi safe
