Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has confirmed the rescue of seven abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, by combined efforts of security personnel.
Mr Abiodun confirmed the rescue at a news conference held at the state secretariat in Abeokuta on Thursday.
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He described the rescue as a proof of the effectiveness of coordinated security operations in the state.
He said the state government activated a coordinated security response immediately after receiving reports of the students’ abduction.
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The governor announced that the combined security team successfully rescued all the abducted victims alive in the early hours of Thursday.
He disclosed that one of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident but was immediately evacuated for medical treatment and had since been stabilised.
He said personnel of the police, the armed forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Ogun Security Network, vigilantes and local hunters were mobilised.
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Mr Abiodun said the joint team dominated the affected corridor and adjoining forests, launching intensive search-and-rescue operations to locate and free the victims.
He noted that additional air support became necessary, prompting him to request the deployment of a police helicopter from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
According to the governor, security operations are still ongoing, just as he assured residents that everyone connected with the abduction would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“I wish to assure the good people of Ogun State that our security agencies remain on the trail of every individual connected with this criminal activities.
“There will be no hiding place for criminals whether they are principal offenders, collaborators,
informants, logistics providers or sponsors; they will be identified, they will be tracked down,” he said.
Mr Abiodun commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising security through investments in the Armed Forces, improved intelligence coordination and acquisition of modern security assets.
He also praised the federal government for improving troop welfare through salary increase and cited the recent rescue of 308 kidnapped victims as evidence of enhanced national security operations.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said five kidnapped victims were rescued during a coordinated security operation, insisting that no ransom was paid.
Mr Ojajuni said the victims were rescued in the early hours of Thursday and reunited with their families after receiving medical attention at the police medical services.
He disclosed that a combined team of security operatives, supported by a police helicopter and ground forces, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and rescued the remaining two victims.
According to him, two suspected kidnappers have been arrested and are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
READ ALSO: Abiodun declares no safe haven for kidnappers as abducted Ogun students are rescued
“Security operatives are still combing the forest, making it inappropriate to disclose the exact location of the operation.
“We are still on the trail of other suspects, and the operation is ongoing,” Mr Ojajuni said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Sapaade, were reportedly abducted by suspected armed men on 29 July.
The students were allegedly seized at a private hostel located along Paraga road in Ipara-Remo.
(NAN)
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