The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two candidates from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area, who were abducted during a recent attack on an unauthorized examination centre in the community.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement, saying the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately after the incident.
According to Fanwo, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, to coordinate a joint rescue mission 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 stormed the forest where the victims were being held, mounting sustained pressure that forced the kidnappers to abandon them and flee.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, 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.
“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.
“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,” the statement read.
Fanwo commended the gallantry and professionalism of officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local security operatives and other agencies involved in the operation, describing their swift response as evidence of effective inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts.
“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 reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration would continue investing in intelligence gathering, security logistics and collaboration among security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.