The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of the four persons abducted during the recent attack in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, including two NECO students, a school principal and a NECO official.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, announced the development 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 kidnapping.
According to Fanwo, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), to lead 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.
He said security operatives, including personnel from the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, stormed the forest in search of the victims following the governor’s directive.
Fanwo noted that while inspecting newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers acquired by the Kogi State Government to strengthen security operations, Governor Ododo had assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release.
According to the commissioner, the sustained pressure mounted by security personnel and the heavy deployment of operatives across the forest forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.
He confirmed that the school principal, the NECO official and the two students were rescued safely, adding that they are in good health and currently undergoing debriefing and medical examinations.
Fanwo said security operatives have continued combing the forest, stressing that the operation remains ongoing to ensure the kidnappers are arrested and brought to justice.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling criminality, warning that anyone involved in crime in Kogi State would face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner commended the professionalism and bravery of the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilante groups and other security personnel involved in the operation, describing the successful rescue as another example of effective inter-agency collaboration against insecurity.
He also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in strengthening security efforts across the state.
