The Ogun State Government says seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted earlier this week, have been rescued alive following a coordinated security operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the development on Thursday while addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, alongside security chiefs and some of the rescued students.
He said the operation was carried out through a joint effort involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the governor, all seven students were rescued in the early hours of Thursday. He disclosed that one of the victims sustained a gunshot wound during the abduction but had received medical treatment and was in a stable condition.
Abiodun said security operatives were continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the kidnapping gang, stressing that the operation remained ongoing.
He revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, approved the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance, describing the move as a significant factor in the successful rescue mission.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling crime, stating that Ogun State would remain an unfavourable environment for kidnappers and other criminal elements while ensuring the safety of residents, businesses and investors.
He added that recent joint security initiatives, including Operation Kò S’Áyé, had strengthened intelligence sharing and cooperation among security agencies, contributing to improved responses to criminal activities.
Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and terrorism nationwide through increased investment in security agencies and enhanced intelligence coordination.
He said the Federal Government’s continued investment in modern security equipment, institutional reforms and improved welfare for members of the Armed Forces was helping to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
The governor further expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, the families of the abducted students and other stakeholders for their cooperation during the rescue operation.
He assured residents that the state government would continue to invest in security infrastructure and provide operational support to security agencies to enhance the protection of lives and property across Ogun State.
Speaking at the briefing, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, said the students were rescued without the payment of ransom.
He also confirmed the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, adding that the suspects were assisting investigators while security operatives intensified efforts to track down other members of the criminal group who remain at large.
