Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced the successful rescue of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted by armed men on July 29, following a coordinated security operation that also led to the arrest of two suspected kidnappers.

Governor Abiodun made the announcement on Thursday at the Ogun State Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the state’s campaign against kidnapping and violent crime.

Also read: Ogun students abducted as gunmen raid private hostel

The governor said the rescue mission brought together operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), local vigilantes and hunters.

According to him, the state government immediately activated an intensive search after the students were abducted near the Gateway ICT Polytechnic axis.

Governor Abiodun disclosed that on August 3, he personally contacted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to request aerial surveillance to support security personnel already conducting ground operations.

The request was approved, leading to the deployment of a police helicopter that played a decisive role in the operation.

“The rescue operation was executed in phases. Five of the students were rescued during the initial operation, received medical attention and were reunited with their families, while the remaining two regained their freedom during a follow-up mission supported by the police helicopter and ground security teams,” the governor said.

He added that one of the rescued students sustained a gunshot wound during the abduction but was immediately evacuated for treatment and has since been stabilised.

Governor Abiodun confirmed that security operatives arrested two members of the kidnapping syndicate during the operation, while efforts have intensified to apprehend other suspects who fled into nearby forests.

“The operation is still ongoing, and for operational reasons, we cannot disclose the exact location of the rescue. However, every individual connected with this criminal enterprise will be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.

“There will be no hiding place for kidnappers, their informants, collaborators, sponsors or logistics providers. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for residents, investors and visitors,” Abiodun declared.

He attributed the successful operation to improved intelligence sharing and seamless collaboration among security agencies, adding that initiatives such as Operation KWS have strengthened the state’s ability to respond swiftly to security threats.

Governor Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting improvements in Nigeria’s security architecture through increased investment in security agencies, enhanced intelligence coordination and better welfare for security personnel.

He further praised the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Amotekun, local vigilantes and hunters for what he described as their professionalism and courage throughout the operation.

The governor equally thanked the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, parents of the abducted students, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for their cooperation during the rescue mission.

He reassured residents and investors that Ogun State remains safe for legitimate business and pledged sustained investment in surveillance technology, intelligence gathering and logistics to strengthen security across the state.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police confirmed that none of the victims’ families paid ransom before the students regained their freedom.

The police commissioner said the first five students rescued received treatment from the Police Medical Services before being reunited with their families, while the remaining two were freed during the helicopter-assisted operation.

He added that the two suspects currently in police custody are assisting investigators as security operatives continue combing the forests in search of other members of the gang.

The commissioner declined to reveal the exact location where the rescue took place, explaining that disclosing operational details could jeopardise the ongoing manhunt.

The abduction, which occurred on July 29, had sparked widespread concern among students, parents and residents, renewing calls for stronger security around tertiary institutions and communities located along forest corridors.

Also read: Ogun students abducted as gunmen raid private hostel

The successful rescue of all seven students without the payment of ransom has been welcomed as a major boost to ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping in Ogun State.