The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of four persons abducted during a recent attack on an unauthorized examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims, comprising a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students, were rescued following a coordinated security operation involving multiple security agencies.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, attributing the successful rescue to swift directives issued by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the kidnapping incident.
According to Fanwo, Governor Ododo instructed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
He said security personnel launched an intensive operation in the forest where the victims were believed to have been held captive.
“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, alongside 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 said.
Fanwo explained that sustained pressure mounted by security forces forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.
He noted that Governor Ododo had earlier assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release while inspecting newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers acquired by the state government to strengthen security operations.
“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,” he added.
The commissioner said the rescued victims are in good health and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical evaluation by security agencies.
He also disclosed that security operatives have continued combing the forest in a bid to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“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,” he stated.
Fanwo commended the professionalism and bravery of the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies involved in the operation, describing the rescue as another demonstration of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating insecurity.
The commissioner also expressed the state’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Kogi’s security efforts.
According to him, the President directed security chiefs to provide all necessary assistance to ensure the victims were rescued safely.
“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,” Fanwo said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ododo administration to sustaining investments in intelligence gathering, security logistics and collaboration among security agencies to eliminate criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents across the state.
