Kidnapped Kogi principal, NECO official, students rescued after joint security operation

The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the four persons abducted during the recent attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the rescue as the result of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.

According to Fanwo, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies.

> “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,” the statement read.

Fanwo said Governor Ododo had earlier assured journalists that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers procured to strengthen the state’s fight against criminality.

He explained that sustained pressure from security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.

> “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.”

The commissioner confirmed that the school principal, the NECO official and the two students were rescued safely and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical checks.

Fanwo praised the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies for their professionalism and swift response, describing the operation as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts, noting that the President directed security chiefs to provide every necessary assistance to ensure the victims’ rescue.

Fanwo reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, improving security logistics and sustaining collaboration among security agencies to eliminate criminal activities across Kogi State.