Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has confirmed the rescue of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted by suspected armed men on 29 July. The governor made the announcement at a news conference held at the state secretariat in Abeokuta on Thursday, describing the rescue as proof of the effectiveness of coordinated security operations in the state.
Coordinated Security Response
According to Mr Abiodun, the state government activated a coordinated security response immediately after receiving reports of the abduction. He said personnel from the police, the armed forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Ogun Security Network, vigilantes, and local hunters were mobilised for the operation.
The joint team dominated the affected corridor and adjoining forests, launching intensive search-and-rescue operations to locate and free the victims. The governor noted that additional air support became necessary, prompting him to request the deployment of a police helicopter from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Rescue and Medical Attention
The governor announced that the combined security team successfully rescued all the abducted victims alive in the early hours of Thursday. He disclosed that one of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident but was immediately evacuated for medical treatment and had since been stabilised.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said five kidnapped victims were rescued during a coordinated security operation, insisting that no ransom was paid. He said the victims were rescued in the early hours of Thursday and reunited with their families after receiving medical attention at the police medical services.
Ongoing Operations and Arrests
According to Mr Ojajuni, a combined team of security operatives, supported by a police helicopter and ground forces, stormed the kidnappers' hideout and rescued the remaining two victims. He disclosed that two suspected kidnappers have been arrested and are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
"Security operatives are still combing the forest, making it inappropriate to disclose the exact location of the operation. We are still on the trail of other suspects, and the operation is ongoing," Mr Ojajuni said.
Governor's Assurance and Federal Support
Governor Abiodun assured residents that security operations are still ongoing, and everyone connected with the abduction would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. "I wish to assure the good people of Ogun State that our security agencies remain on the trail of every individual connected with this criminal activities. There will be no hiding place for criminals whether they are principal offenders, collaborators, informants, logistics providers or sponsors; they will be identified, they will be tracked down," he said.
Mr Abiodun commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising security through investments in the Armed Forces, improved intelligence coordination, and acquisition of modern security assets. He also praised the federal government for improving troop welfare through salary increase and cited the recent rescue of 308 kidnapped victims as evidence of enhanced national security operations.
