Kogi Rescues Victims of Exam Centre Kidnap Attack

The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of four people abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the victims were freed following a coordinated security operation launched on the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo shortly after the incident.

According to Fanwo, the governor ordered the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), to lead a joint rescue mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies.

He explained that sustained pressure from security operatives, who combed the forests with heavily armed personnel, forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.

The rescued victims include the school principal, a National Examinations Council official and two students. Fanwo said they were in good condition and had been taken into the custody of security agencies for debriefing and medical examination.

He added that security personnel remained in the forest to continue the operation, stressing that the government was determined to ensure that those behind the abduction were apprehended and brought to justice.

The commissioner commended the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, local security operatives and other agencies involved in the mission for their professionalism and swift response, describing the operation as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration.

Fanwo also expressed the Kogi State Government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s security efforts, noting that the president directed security chiefs to provide every necessary assistance to secure the victims’ release.

He reaffirmed the Ododo administration’s commitment to combating criminality across the state through sustained investment in intelligence gathering, security logistics and collaboration among security agencies to protect lives and property.