The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students who were abducted during an attack on an unauthorized examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims were freed following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and other security agencies, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
Joint Security Operation Led to Rescue
Fanwo said Governor Usman Ododo ordered an immediate rescue mission after the kidnapping, directing the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, to coordinate the operation with multiple security agencies.
The operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade and 21 Battalion, alongside DSS operatives, police officers and local security teams, who conducted an intensive search of the surrounding forest where the victims were believed to have been held.
According to the state government, sustained pressure from security forces forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.
“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,” Fanwo said.
He added that security personnel remain in the forest as operations continue to apprehend those responsible.
Victims Safe and Receiving Medical Attention
The state government confirmed that all four victims have been rescued unharmed.
“They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks,” Fanwo said.
Authorities did not disclose whether any arrests had been made but stressed that efforts to track down the kidnappers remain ongoing.
Government Commends Security Agencies
The Kogi government praised the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilantes and other security agencies for what it described as a swift and coordinated response that demonstrated effective inter-agency collaboration against criminal activity.
Fanwo also thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing federal support to the rescue operation.
According to the commissioner, the President directed national security agencies to provide all necessary assistance to Kogi State following the abduction.
“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,” Fanwo said.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Security
Governor Ododo’s administration reiterated its commitment to strengthening security across Kogi State through increased investment in intelligence gathering, security equipment and closer coordination among security agencies.
The government said it remains determined to ensure that those responsible for the kidnapping are arrested and prosecuted.
The abduction occurred during an attack on an unauthorized examination centre in Olowa, raising fresh concerns over school security and criminal activity in parts of Nigeria. Authorities say security operations in the area will continue until all perpetrators are brought to justice.