Abducted principal, NECO official, students freed in Kogi

The Kogi State government has released a statement indicating that the abductees of the recent attack at the examination center in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area have been rescued.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, in his statement on Thursday. He stated that the operation carried out to rescue the victims was initiated by the governor upon discovery of the attack on the examination center.

Fanwo explained that Governor Ahmed Ododo instructed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to oversee a joint rescue operation that comprised the Nigerian Army, DSS, Nigeria Police Force, Vigilante and other security operatives.

“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 assured everyone of the safety of the school principal, the NECO official, and the two students who have been evacuated and are being interviewed medically.

In his praise, he stated that the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, vigilantes and others security operatives had displayed professionalism and quick action as the exercise showed cooperation amongst security agencies.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support rendered to the security effort of the state adding that the president instructed the security operatives to do everything necessary to effect the rescue of the victims.

Fanwo stressed the determination of the Ododo administration to improve on the gathering of intelligence, logistics and security cooperation amongst security agencies to remove criminals from Kogi State.