Four people abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, have been rescued following a coordinated security operation involving multiple security agencies, the state government has announced.
The Kogi State Government said the rescue followed an immediate directive by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who ordered security agencies to launch a joint operation to secure the victims’ release. The operation involved the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said: “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 sustained pressure mounted by the security agencies forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee the area, adding that security personnel remained in the forest to apprehend those responsible. “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.”
According to the commissioner, the rescued victims comprise the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students, all of whom were found unharmed. “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.”
Fanwo added that security operations were still ongoing to ensure the fleeing suspects were arrested and prosecuted. “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 commended the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies for what he described as their professionalism and effective collaboration during the rescue operation.
He also expressed the state government’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Kogi’s security efforts.
According to Fanwo. “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.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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