The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of the four persons abducted during Tuesday’s attack on an illegal National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre at Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims—a school principal, a NECO official and two students—were freed following a coordinated multi-agency security operation launched on the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Confirming the development in a statement issued in Lokoja on Thursday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the operation as a major victory in the state’s sustained campaign against criminality.
According to him, Governor Ododo immediately ordered the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, to coordinate a rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, and local security operatives.
Fanwo said the combined security team, working with the 12 Brigade and 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, mounted sustained operations deep inside the forest where the victims were believed to have been held.
He noted that the overwhelming pressure from security forces forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee, paving the way for the victims’ safe rescue.
Earlier on Thursday, while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to strengthen security operations, Governor Ododo had assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ freedom.
“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 said.
He added that security personnel had remained in the forest to continue the operation, track down the fleeing kidnappers and ensure they face justice.
The commissioner praised the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilantes and other security agencies for what he described as exemplary professionalism, courage and inter-agency collaboration.
He also expressed the state’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing security agencies to provide the necessary support that facilitated the successful rescue operation.
Fanwo reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s determination to rid Kogi of criminal elements, pledging continued investment in intelligence gathering, security logistics and coordinated security operations to safeguard lives and property.
Gunmen had invaded the examination centre on Tuesday, abducting the principal, the NECO official and two students, prompting the state government to launch an intensive rescue operation.