The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of four people abducted during the recent attack on an unauthorized examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of the State.
The victims identified as a school principal, a National Examinations Council official and two students were rescued following a coordinated security operation launched shortly after the incident, according to the state government.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday night, describing the rescue as the outcome of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
Fanwo said the governor tasked the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, with coordinating the rescue mission involving personnel from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
He explained that security forces intensified operations in the surrounding forests, mounting pressure on the kidnappers and forcing them to abandon the victims.
“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,” Fanwo said.
Also Read: Kogi Govt confirms killing of bandit behind school attack
“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.”
The commissioner added that security operatives remained in the forest as efforts continued to track down the fleeing suspects. 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 wrath of the law.
He confirmed that the rescued victims were safe, in good health and currently undergoing debriefing and necessary medical checks.
Fanwo commended the gallantry and professionalism of the security agencies involved in the operation, describing their swift response as another testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity.
He also expressed the state government’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Kogi’s security efforts, noting that the president had directed security chiefs to provide necessary assistance in rescuing the victims.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to combating criminal activities across the state, adding that the government would continue to invest in intelligence gathering, security equipment and inter-agency cooperation to keep Kogi safe for all.
The shield Online
