By Ado Oyeyemi
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of four persons abducted during a recent attack in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, following a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies.
The victims, comprising a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students, were freed after security operatives intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the rescue as the result of a joint operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
According to him, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, to lead a rescue mission involving personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies.
Fanwo said sustained pressure mounted by security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee the forest.
He noted that Governor Ododo had earlier assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to strengthen security operations.
The commissioner added that although the victims had regained their freedom, security personnel remained in the forest to track down the fleeing suspects.
He said the rescued principal, NECO official and the two students were in safe custody, undergoing debriefing and medical examination.
Fanwo commended the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local vigilante groups and other security agencies for their professionalism and swift response, describing the operation as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
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He also expressed the Kogi State Government’s appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards strengthening security efforts in the state.
