The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students who were abducted during an attack on Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who attributed the successful rescue to a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo shortly after the incident.
According to Fanwo, the governor immediately directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), 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.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), 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,” he said.
Fanwo disclosed that Governor Ododo had, while inspecting newly procured Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) on Thursday, assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release.
He said the victims regained their freedom a few hours later after sustained pressure from security personnel forced the kidnappers to abandon them and flee.
“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,” the commissioner stated.
He confirmed that the rescued victims include the school principal, the NECO official and the two students, adding that they are in good health and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical examination.
“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.
Fanwo commended the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local vigilante groups and other security operatives for their professionalism and bravery during the operation.
He also expressed the Kogi State Government’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support in strengthening security efforts across the state.
Submit a Press Release | Advertise With Fresh News | Contact Us
