The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of the four people abducted during an attack on a National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims, who include the school principal, a NECO official and two students, regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday. He said the operation was launched on the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the kidnapping incident.
According to Fanwo, the governor instructed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security personnel.
He explained that security operatives stormed the forests where the victims were believed to have been taken, maintaining intense pressure on the kidnappers until they abandoned the victims and fled.
Fanwo revealed that Governor Ododo had earlier assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to secure the release of the abducted persons while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers purchased by the state government to strengthen security operations.
He said the sustained military and security presence in the forests forced the criminals to flee without their captives.
“The school principal, the NECO official and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are in good health and are currently undergoing debriefing and routine medical examinations with security agencies,” the commissioner stated.
He added that security forces remain in the forest to continue the operation and ensure the kidnappers are apprehended.
“The operation is still ongoing, and we are determined to ensure that every criminal involved is brought to justice. Anyone who engages in criminal activities in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law,” Fanwo said.
The commissioner praised the professionalism and bravery of personnel from the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies, describing the successful rescue as another example of effective inter-agency collaboration against insecurity.
Fanwo also expressed the Kogi State Government’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts.
According to him, the President directed the leadership of the nation’s security agencies to provide all necessary assistance to Kogi State to secure the victims’ release.
He noted that the federal government’s support contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the rescue mission.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to eliminating criminal activities across the state, assuring residents that the government would continue investing in intelligence gathering, security equipment and stronger collaboration among security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
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