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The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of the four victims kidnapped during the recent attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area. The victims—a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, and two students—regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the rescue mission was coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives. The government said sustained pressure from security forces and the heavy deployment of personnel into the forest forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee. The rescued principal, NECO official and two students are reported to be in good condition and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical evaluation.
The state government also thanked President Bola Tinubu for directing federal security agencies to support the rescue effort, describing the intervention as instrumental to the operation’s success. While confirming the victims’ release, the government stressed that the security operation remains ongoing, with troops continuing to comb the forest to apprehend the kidnappers and ensure they are brought to justice.
