Kogi declares victory as four kidnap victims freed, hunt for abductors continues

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the four persons abducted during Tuesday’s attack on an unauthorised National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, following an intensive multi-agency security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a release disclosed that the rescued victims, comprising the school principal, a NECO official and two examination candidates, regained their freedom through a coordinated security operation of the troops of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, vigilante groups and other security operatives.

The joint operation forced the kidnappers to abandon them and flee the forest. Authorities said the victims are in safe custody undergoing debriefing and medical evaluation, while security forces continue combing the area to apprehend the fleeing criminals.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Fanwo commended the gallantry and professionalism of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local security operatives and all other agencies involved in the rescue mission, describing their swift response as another testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

The Commissioner also expressed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support for the state’s security efforts.

“The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims. Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property.”

He reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration would not relent in its efforts to rid every part of the state of criminal elements, assuring residents that the government would continue to invest in intelligence, security logistics and inter-agency collaboration to keep Kogi safe for all.