The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the four victims kidnapped during last week’s attack on an unauthorized examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, attributing the rescue to a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the attack.
Fanwo said the governor had directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), to lead a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
He said Omodara, alongside the leadership of the Army’s 12 Brigade and 21 Battalion, the DSS, the police and local security operatives, stormed the forest where the victims were held to secure their release.
According to the Commissioner, Governor Ododo had assured newsmen earlier on Thursday evening — while inspecting newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers — that efforts were ongoing to free the victims. Hours later, the victims regained their freedom after sustained pressure and the saturation of the forest by security personnel forced the abductors to abandon them and flee.
Fanwo said security operatives remained in the forest as the operation continued, with the government determined to ensure none of the perpetrators escapes justice.
He confirmed that the school principal, a NECO official and two students had all been rescued unhurt and were currently receiving debriefing and medical attention from security agencies.
The Commissioner commended the gallantry of the Army, DSS, police, local security operatives and other agencies involved, describing the rescue as further proof of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration against insecurity in the state.
He also conveyed the state government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for directing security agency heads to support Kogi’s rescue efforts, noting that the president’s intervention had contributed to the successful outcome.
Fanwo reiterated that the Ododo administration would sustain investment in intelligence, security logistics and inter-agency collaboration to rid the state of criminal elements and keep residents safe.
