BREAKING: Abducted principal, NECO official, students rescued – Kogi Govt

The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the victims abducted during the recent attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, attributing the rescue to a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately after the incident.

According to Fanwo, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), 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 (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,” he said.

Fanwo explained that sustained pressure from security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims 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.”

He confirmed that the school principal, the NECO official and the two students were rescued safely and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical examinations.

The commissioner commended the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies for their professionalism and swift response, describing the operation as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts, noting that the President directed security chiefs to provide every necessary assistance to ensure the victims’ rescue.

Fanwo reiterated the Ododo administration’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, security logistics and collaboration among security agencies to rid Kogi State of criminal elements.

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