The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of four persons abducted during an attack on an unauthorised National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims, comprising the school principal, a NECO official and two students, were rescued on Thursday following a coordinated security operation launched after the abduction.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lokoja, saying Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ordered an immediate rescue mission after the incident.
According to Fanwo, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, to coordinate a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups.
Security personnel reportedly combed the forest where the kidnappers were believed to be hiding, mounting sustained pressure that forced the abductors to abandon the victims and flee.
“A few hours after Governor Ododo assured journalists that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release, they regained their freedom as security operatives intensified the operation,” Fanwo said.
He confirmed that the rescued principal, NECO official and two students were in good condition and were undergoing medical checks and debriefing by security agencies.
Fanwo added that security operatives had remained in the forest to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“Our resolve is clear. Anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law,” he stated.
The commissioner commended the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police and local security operatives for what he described as their professionalism, courage and effective inter-agency collaboration in securing the victims’ freedom.
He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing security chiefs to provide the necessary support for the rescue operation, noting that the intervention contributed significantly to the successful outcome.
Fanwo reiterated the Kogi State Government’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, improving security logistics and enhancing collaboration among security agencies to eliminate criminal activities across the state.
The victims were abducted at about 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday when gunmen attacked the unauthorised examination centre while candidates were writing the NECO examination. Security agencies immediately launched a manhunt, culminating in the successful rescue operation on Thursday.
