The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of the four people abducted during the recent attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The state government attributed the rescue to a coordinated security operation launched immediately after the incident on the directive of Governor Usman Ododo.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the governor had ordered an immediate response to secure the release of the victims.
According to Fanwo, Governor Ododo instructed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), 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 agencies.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), 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,” he said.
Fanwo praised the commitment, courage and professionalism displayed by the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and other security personnel who participated in the operation.
He said the swift rescue demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts among security agencies in addressing security challenges across the state.
The commissioner also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the rescue operation and strengthening security efforts in the state.
According to him, the President directed security chiefs to provide every necessary assistance to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted victims.
“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 reaffirmed the state government’s determination to eliminate criminal activities across Kogi, stressing that the Ododo administration would continue to invest in intelligence gathering, security equipment and collaboration among security agencies to safeguard residents and protect lives and property.
