The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of four persons abducted during a recent attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, attributing the development to a coordinated security operation initiated by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately after the incident.
Fanwo said the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), to lead a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
He said the security team, including personnel from the 12 Brigade and 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, DSS, police and local security groups, moved into the forest in search of the victims.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation,” Fanwo said.
“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 commissioner said the victims regained their freedom hours after Governor Ododo inspected newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers aimed at strengthening security operations in the state.
He explained that sustained pressure from security operatives and the heavy presence of armed personnel in the forest forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.
“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 added.
Fanwo noted that security operations were still ongoing in the forest, stressing that authorities remained committed to ensuring that those behind the attack were brought to justice.
He commended the security agencies involved in the operation, describing their response as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
The commissioner also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support towards Kogi State’s security efforts, saying the president’s directive to security chiefs contributed to the successful rescue.
He assured residents that the Ododo administration would continue to invest in intelligence gathering, security equipment and collaboration among security agencies to combat criminal activities across the state.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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