The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of four people abducted during the recent attack on an unauthorised NECO examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims include the school principal, a NECO official and two students.
The government said a coordinated security operation led to their rescue following the kidnapping incident.
Joint operation secures victims’ release
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
He said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ordered an immediate rescue operation after receiving reports of the attack.
According to Fanwo, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the mission.
The operation involved the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation.”
Fanwo said security personnel moved into the forest in search of the abducted victims.
Pressure forces kidnappers to flee
The commissioner said sustained pressure from security agencies forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims.
He added that the criminals fled as security operatives intensified the operation across the forest.
“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.”
According to him, security personnel remain in the area and the operation is still ongoing.
He said the government is determined to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
“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.”
Government commends security agencies
Meanwhile, Fanwo praised the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the police, local security operatives and other agencies for their swift response.
He described the successful rescue as another example of effective inter-agency collaboration against insecurity.
The commissioner also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting Kogi State’s security efforts.
According to him, the President directed security agencies to provide every necessary assistance to ensure the victims were rescued safely.
Ododo vows to sustain security efforts
Fanwo said Governor Ododo remains committed to eliminating criminal activities across the state.
He added that the administration will continue investing in intelligence gathering, security equipment and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
The commissioner assured residents that the government would sustain efforts to protect lives and property throughout Kogi State.
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