Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday announced the successful rescue of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted last Wednesday, confirming that no ransom was paid for their release.
The governor disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office, Abeokuta, commending the coordinated efforts of security agencies, local hunters, vigilantes, and other stakeholders whose joint operation led to the rescue of the victims.
Multi-Agency Operation Launched
Following reports of the abduction on July 29, the state government immediately activated a multi-agency security response involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, vigilantes, and local hunters.
The operation was further strengthened on August 3 when Governor Abiodun requested aerial surveillance from Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, who approved and deployed a police helicopter the same day.
Rescue Details
Abiodun announced that all seven victims were rescued alive in the early hours of Thursday.
“Five victims were rescued during the first phase of the operation and reunited with their families after receiving medical attention, while the remaining two were rescued in a subsequent operation involving the police helicopter and ground forces,” he stated.
One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury but has since been stabilised after receiving medical treatment.
Two Suspects Arrested
The governor further disclosed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested, while security operatives intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the gang.
“As of this moment, two of the kidnappers have been arrested, while our security agencies remain on the trail of the remaining members of the criminal gang. The operation is still ongoing,” he said.
No Ransom Paid — CP
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, confirmed during the briefing that no ransom was paid before the students regained their freedom.
“It was a successful operation. No ransom was paid. We rescued five victims in the early hours of today and reunited them with their respective families,” Ojajuni said.
He explained that a helicopter, working in coordination with ground forces, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and rescued the remaining two victims. He added that the two arrested suspects were in custody and cooperating with the investigation.
Governor Warns Criminals
Warning criminals to stay away from the state, Abiodun declared that Ogun would remain hostile to all forms of criminality.
“There will be no hiding place for kidnappers or any other criminals in Ogun State. Whether they are principal offenders, collaborators, informants, logistics providers or sponsors, they will be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising security and strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies, and praised the IGP, DSS DG, police commissioner, military, NSCDC, Amotekun, vigilantes, hunters, and all personnel involved in the rescue mission.