The Kogi State Government has reported the successful rescue of four people kidnapped during a recent attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, in the state.
Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday, characterising the rescue as the result of a concerted security operation initiated by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately following the event.
According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo authorised the state security adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to arrange a joint rescue mission that included the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups, and other security personnel.
“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 12th Brigade and the 21st 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 praised the bravery 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 quick response as another example of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating insecurity.
The Commissioner also extended the Kogi State Government’s gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his consistent 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 emphasised that Governor Ododo’s administration would not give up in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, assuring citizens that the government would continue to invest in intelligence, security logistics, and inter-agency coordination to make Kogi secure for everyone.
