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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Kogi announces rescue of kidnapped victims in exam centre attack

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo announced the successful rescue of four individuals kidnapped from an unauthorized examination center.
  • The rescue was the result of a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, and local vigilantes, as directed by the governor.
  • The victims, including a school principal, NECO official, and two students, were found safe and are undergoing debriefing and medical checks.

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has announced the successful rescue of four people who were kidnapped from an unauthorized examination center in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.

Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation. The State Security Adviser and the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local security operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued.

— Kingsley FanwoKogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, detailing the immediate response to the kidnapping.

The rescue operation was a swift, coordinated effort initiated immediately after the incident. Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to lead a joint mission comprising the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilante groups.

Just this evening, while inspecting the Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against criminality, the Governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims.

— Kingsley FanwoKogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, reporting on the governor's assurance of efforts to rescue the victims.

Security operatives, including personnel from the 12 Brigade and 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, along with DSS and police officers, launched an intensive search in the forest. The sustained pressure and saturation of the area by armed security personnel forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.

A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. The sustained pressure on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee.

— Kingsley FanwoKogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, announcing the successful rescue.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that the School Principal, a NECO official, and two students were rescued unharmed. They are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical attention. Fanwo commended the professionalism of all involved agencies and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support in the state's security efforts.

We can confirm that the School Principal, the NECO official and the two students have all been rescued safely. They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks.

— Kingsley FanwoKogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, confirming the condition of the rescued victims.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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