Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of the four individuals abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The Punch reported that the announcement was made on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who said the victims were freed following a coordinated security operation launched on the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the abduction.
Fanwo explained that the governor tasked the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with leading a joint rescue effort 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 (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation. The State Security Adviser and 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.
“Just this evening, while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against criminality, the Governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims.
“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.
“Security operatives remain in the forest and the operation is still ongoing. 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.
“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.”
Fanwo praised the courage and professionalism displayed by personnel of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local vigilante groups and other security operatives who participated in the mission, noting that the operation highlighted the success of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
The commissioner also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for backing 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.”
Fanwo added that the Ododo administration remains committed to eliminating criminal activities across the state, assuring residents that investments in intelligence gathering, security equipment and collaboration among security agencies would continue to strengthen the protection of lives and property.
