Relief has swept across Ogun State after Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the successful rescue of the seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were kidnapped last week.
The governor confirmed that all seven victims were rescued alive during a coordinated security operation and stressed that no ransom was paid to secure their freedom.
Abiodun made the announcement on Thursday while addressing journalists at the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough in the state’s fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to the governor, the students were abducted on July 29, prompting the immediate activation of a multi-agency security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes and other security personnel.
To strengthen the rescue mission, Abiodun said he personally contacted the Inspector-General of Police, requesting aerial surveillance to support the ground operation.
“I reached out to the Inspector-General of Police to deploy aerial surveillance to complement the ongoing ground operations. I am pleased that he responded immediately by approving and deploying a police helicopter the same day,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the joint operation successfully rescued all seven students in two phases during the early hours of Thursday.
According to him, five students were rescued first and reunited with their families after receiving medical attention, while the remaining two victims were later freed during another operation involving the police helicopter and security operatives on the ground.
The governor revealed that one of the rescued students sustained a gunshot wound during the ordeal but was immediately taken for treatment and has since been stabilised.
Abiodun also announced that two suspected kidnappers have been arrested, while security agencies have intensified efforts to track down and arrest other members of the criminal 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,” he stated.
The governor warned criminals to stay away from Ogun State, declaring that his administration would not allow kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists or other criminal elements to operate freely within the state.
“There will be no hiding place for kidnappers or any other criminals in Ogun State,” Abiodun warned.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security agencies and improving their operational capacity, saying the Federal Government’s efforts have contributed to recent successes in tackling insecurity.
Abiodun also praised the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS, the military, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes, and all security personnel who participated in the rescue operation.
He equally appreciated the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, parents of the victims, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for their cooperation throughout the operation.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue investing in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and logistics to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, confirmed that the students regained their freedom without the payment of any ransom.
“It was a successful operation. No ransom was paid,” the police commissioner said.
Ojajuni explained that the remaining two students were rescued during a coordinated assault involving a police helicopter and ground forces.
He added that the two arrested suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting investigators, while efforts continue to apprehend other members of the kidnapping gang.
The police commissioner assured residents that the operation remains ongoing until everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice.
