The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of a school principal, a National Examinations Council official and two students who were abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The operation followed a coordinated security mission ordered by Governor Usman Ododo immediately after the kidnapping, according to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
Also read: Gunmen abduct Kogi principal, students abducted while writing NECO exam
Fanwo said the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), to lead a joint operation involving personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes 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,” Fanwo said.
According to the commissioner, security personnel launched an intensive search of the surrounding forest, increasing pressure on the kidnappers until they abandoned the victims and fled.
“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,” he said.
Fanwo confirmed that the principal, the NECO official and the two students were rescued unharmed and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical examinations.
“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 added.
The commissioner said security forces have remained in the forest to continue the operation and pursue those responsible for the abduction, stressing that the government is determined to ensure the suspects are brought to justice.
The rescue followed Governor Ododo’s inspection of newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to strengthen security operations.
During the inspection, the governor assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to secure the victims’ release.
Fanwo commended the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and other security agencies for what he described as their professionalism and effective inter-agency collaboration during the operation.
He also expressed the Kogi State Government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, saying the President directed security chiefs to provide the state with the support needed to secure the victims’ freedom.
The incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing parts of Kogi State and other areas of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have remained a major concern.
Also read: Gunmen abduct Kogi principal, students abducted while writing NECO exam
In response, the Ododo administration has pledged to strengthen intelligence gathering, expand security logistics and deepen cooperation among security agencies to tackle criminal activities across the state.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
