The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of four persons kidnapped during a recent attack on Government Secondary School (GSS) Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area. The victims include the school principal, an ad hoc staff member of the National Examinations Council (NECO), and two students.
Attack during examinations
The abduction occurred at about 5:25 p.m. on July 14, 2026, while students were sitting for their examinations. Armed assailants stormed the school premises, throwing the school into panic. The incident prompted immediate action from state authorities.
Coordinated rescue operation
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He described the rescue as the outcome of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. According to Fanwo, Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups, and other security operatives.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation. 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,” Fanwo said.
Sustained pressure forces kidnappers to flee
Fanwo noted that while inspecting 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,” he stated.
Security operatives remain in the forest and the operation is still ongoing. The government is 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,” Fanwo added.
Victims safe and receiving care
Fanwo confirmed that all four victims are safe. “We can confirm that the School Principal, the NECO official and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks.”
The Commissioner commended the gallantry and professionalism of the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local security operatives, and all other agencies involved. He described their swift response as another testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against insecurity.
Appreciation to President Tinubu
Fanwo also expressed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support. “The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims. Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property,” he said.
