Security Forces Rescue School Principal, NECO Official, 2 Students Abducted in Kogi

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc official and 2 students abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. He said the victims regained their freedom after Governor Ahmed Ododo ordered an immediate security operation following the attack.

According to Fanwo, the governor directed his Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, to coordinate a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), local vigilante groups and other security agencies.

Gunmen attacked Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, on Tuesday evening. They abducted the school principal, the NECO ad hoc official and 2 students.

Fanwo said security personnel launched an operation into the forest where the victims were believed to have been held.

“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,” the statement read.

He added: “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.”

The commissioner said all 4 victims were rescued safely. He added that they were in good condition and remained with security agencies for debriefing and medical examinations.

Fanwo commended the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies that participated in the operation. He said their prompt response demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration among security agencies in tackling insecurity.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “steadfast support for the state’s security efforts”. He said the president directed security chiefs to provide Kogi State with all the assistance required to secure the victims’ release.

Fanwo assured residents that the Ododo administration would continue efforts to eliminate criminal activities in the state. He said the government would sustain investments in intelligence gathering, security logistics and cooperation among security agencies to strengthen public safety.