Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of four persons abducted during an 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, describing the rescue as the outcome of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately after the incident occurred.
According to Fanwo, 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 (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
He explained that the security team, alongside the leadership of the 12 Brigade and 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, stormed the forest where the victims were held to ensure their safe rescue.
The Commissioner said the Governor, while inspecting newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers on Thursday evening, assured journalists that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the victims. Hours later, the victims regained their freedom after sustained pressure from security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon them and flee into the forest.
Fanwo confirmed that security operatives remain in the forest as the operation continues, stressing that the state government is determined to ensure none of the perpetrators escapes justice.
“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.
The Commissioner commended the professionalism of the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local security operatives and other agencies involved in the operation, describing their swift response as further proof of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity in the state.
He also conveyed the Kogi State Government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support for the state’s security efforts, noting that the President had directed heads of security agencies to give Kogi all necessary support to rescue the victims.
Fanwo reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration remains committed to ridding the state of criminal elements, assuring residents that government would continue investing in intelligence, security logistics and inter-agency collaboration to keep Kogi safe.
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