Seven abducted victims, including five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, have regained their freedom after eight days in captivity. The victims were abducted on July 29, 2026, when attackers invaded a private student hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, a community adjoining the polytechnic.
Joint Security Operation Rescues Victims
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, told journalists at the State Secretariat in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, that the victims were rescued in the early hours of Thursday, August 6. He said the victims, including the students, were rescued in two batches during a joint security operation supported by a police helicopter.
Ojajuni confirmed that no ransom was paid and all victims were rescued alive. He added that the rescued victims were taken to the hospital for medical attention before being reunited with their families.
"It was a real operational exercise. No ransom was paid. We rescued five victims in the early hours of today and handed them over to their respective families. Before then, we took them for medical treatment," Ojajuni said.
Police Helicopter Aids Rescue
Ojajuni detailed the operation: "Also in the early hours of today, the helicopter, together with ground forces, stormed the kidnappers’ den and rescued the remaining two victims. We have successfully arrested two of the kidnappers. They are in our custody and are cooperating with investigators. We are still on the trail of the others while the operation continues."
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed that one of the victims was shot during the rescue operation but was promptly revived at the medical facility. He explained that he had requested additional air support from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Monday, August 3, 2026, to deploy aerial surveillance to complement ground operations.
Governor Confirms All Victims Alive
"I am glad to report that the IGP responded without delay by approving and deploying a police helicopter the same day. I am standing here this evening pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that, in the early hours of today, Thursday, 6 August 2026, the combined security operation successfully rescued all seven victims alive," Abiodun said.
"One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation. He was immediately evacuated for medical attention and has since been stabilised."
Governor Warns Criminals
The governor warned that Ogun State would not become a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements. He stressed that security remains a shared responsibility and urged residents to continue providing credible information to the appropriate authorities.
The successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of joint security efforts and the importance of air support in tackling kidnapping in the region. The police have assured that investigations are ongoing, and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are continuing.
