The Kogi state government says four persons kidnapped during
the recent attack on an “unauthorised” examination centre in Olowa, Dekina LGA,
have been rescued.
Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and
communications, said in a statement on Thursday that the rescue followed a
coordinated security operation ordered by Ahmed Ododo, governor of Kogi,
immediately after the incident.
Fanwo said Ododo directed Jerry Omodara, his security
adviser, to coordinate a joint rescue operation involving the Nigerian Army,
the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), local
vigilante groups and other security agencies.
Gunmen had on Tuesday evening abducted four students from
the Government Secondary School (GSS) in Olowa, Dekina LGA of Kogi state.
The principal of the school and a National Examinations
Council (NECO) ad hoc staff member were also abducted during the incident.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The commissioner added that the school principal, the NECO
official and the two students had all been rescued safely.
He noted that they are in good condition and are with
security agencies for debriefing and medical checks.
Fanwo commended the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the police,
local security operatives and other agencies involved in the rescue operation,
commending their gallantry and professionalism.
He said their swift response demonstrated the effectiveness
of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
The commissioner also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
for his “steadfast support for the state’s security efforts”.
He said the president directed security chiefs to provide
Kogi with all the support needed to rescue the victims.
Fanwo said the Ododo administration would sustain efforts to
rid the state of criminal elements, assuring residents that the government
would continue investing in intelligence, security logistics and inter-agency
collaboration to keep Kogi safe.
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