Ododo hails security agencies after victims freed from kidnappers
Four people abducted during an attack on a school in Kogi State have been rescued following a coordinated security operation, the state government has said.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the victims regained their freedom after sustained pressure from security operatives forced the kidnappers to flee.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fanwo said Governor Usman Ododo had ordered an immediate rescue operation after the incident and assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ release.
He said the governor gave the assurance while inspecting Armoured Personnel Carriers recently procured by the state government to strengthen security operations.
According to the commissioner, the intensive operation saw heavily armed security personnel saturate the forest, compelling the abductors to abandon their captives.
“Security operatives remain in the forest, and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice,” Fanwo said.
He confirmed that the rescued victims include the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official and two students.
“They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks,” he added.
Fanwo said Governor Ododo had directed the State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, to coordinate the rescue operation immediately after the abduction.
The state government praised the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, local security operatives and other agencies involved in the mission, describing the successful operation as evidence of effective inter-agency collaboration against insecurity.
The commissioner also expressed the state’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the rescue effort.
According to Fanwo, the President directed the heads of security agencies to provide Kogi State with all necessary assistance to secure the victims’ release.
He said the intervention contributed to the successful outcome of the operation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.