LIFESTYLE Culture

Troops Rescue Kidnapped Students In Ogun

by admin on | 2026-08-07 17:42:53

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By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

Security operatives have rescued seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, who were abducted by armed men, after eight days in captivity.

The students were kidnapped on July 29 from a private hostel in Ipara-Remo, and regained their freedom following an intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies.

Announcing the rescue in Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun said all seven victims were recovered alive through a coordinated effort involving ground troops and aerial surveillance.

He explained that upon receiving reports of the abduction, security agencies launched a large-scale search-and-rescue mission across affected communities and adjoining forests.

Abiodun said he requested additional aerial support from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on August 3, leading to the deployment of a police helicopter to complement ground operations that traced the kidnappers’ hideout.

He described the outcome as a reflection of effective intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and sustained operational pressure, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to addressing security threats around educational institutions.

“Our work is not finished. We will dismantle every criminal network responsible for this attack. Ogun State will not provide a haven for kidnappers or other criminal elements,” the governor said.

He reiterated efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture through increased investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, inter-agency coordination, rapid-response capacity and community-based policing.

The governor added that support has been expanded for the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and other security agencies, particularly in schools, major highways and border communities.

Abiodun stressed that protecting lives and property remains central to the state’s development agenda, noting that security is vital for safeguarding education, attracting investment and driving economic growth.

He commended the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes, traditional rulers, community leaders and hunters for their roles in the rescue.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said one of the students sustained a gunshot wound during the abduction but has been stabilised after receiving medical treatment. He added that no ransom was paid.

He stated: “It was purely an operational success. Five victims were rescued in the early hours of Thursday and taken for medical attention before being reunited with their families. Our helicopter and ground forces later stormed the kidnappers’ den and rescued the remaining two victims.”

Ojajuni said two suspected kidnappers had been arrested and were assisting investigations, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the group.

He, however, declined to disclose the exact location of the rescue, citing ongoing security operations.