…Principal, NECO official, 2 students freed as security operatives raid forest
The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of four persons kidnapped during an attack on Government Secondary School, GSS, Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area.
The victims — the school principal, a National Examinations Council, NECO, ad hoc staff member, and two students — were abducted on Monday, July 14, 2026 at about 5:25 p.m. while students were writing examinations.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, confirmed their release in a statement on Thursday, July 16, 2026. He said the rescue followed a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident.
According to Fanwo, the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to lead a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, and local vigilante groups.
“Shortly after the kidnapping, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser to coordinate the rescue. The leadership of the 12 Brigade and 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued,” Fanwo stated.
He added that sustained pressure and the deployment of armed personnel forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee.
“Just this evening, while inspecting Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government, the Governor assured newsmen that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims. A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom,” the commissioner said.
Fanwo confirmed that all four victims “are hale and hearty” and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and medical checks. He said security operatives remain in the forest and the operation is ongoing.
“We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice. Anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law,” he declared.
The commissioner commended the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police and local security agencies for their professionalism, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing security agencies to support Kogi’s rescue efforts.
