From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the four persons abducted during the recent attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing the rescue as the result of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation. The State Security Adviser, alongside 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,” Fanwo said.
He explained that while inspecting newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers acquired by the Kogi State Government to strengthen security, Governor Ododo had assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release.
“A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. The sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee,” he added.
Fanwo said security operatives have remained in the forest to continue the operation and track down those responsible for the abduction.
“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 weight of the law,” he said.
He confirmed that the rescued victims—the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students—were in good health and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical examination.
The commissioner commended the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilante groups and other security personnel involved in the operation, describing their professionalism and swift response as evidence of effective inter-agency collaboration against insecurity.
Fanwo also expressed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts.
“The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims. Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property,” he said.
He reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration would continue investing in intelligence gathering, security logistics and collaboration among security agencies to eliminate criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents across the state.
