Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced that all seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, a.bducted on July 29 have been rescued, stressing that no ransom was paid to secure their freedom
Abiodun made this known on Thursday at the Ogun State Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where he explained that the rescue was achieved through a coordinated effort involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, local vigilantes and hunters.
The governor said security agencies immediately began efforts to locate the students after they were k!dnapped around the polytechnic area.
He disclosed that he personally contacted Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on August 3 to request aerial support for the search operation. A police helicopter was subsequently deployed to assist teams operating on the ground.
According to Abiodun, the first stage of the operation resulted in the rescue of five students, who were taken for medical attention before being reunited with their families. The remaining two were later freed during a follow-up operation involving both aerial surveillance and ground forces.
One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the abduction but has since received treatment and is now in stable condition, the governor said.
Two suspected members of the kidnapping gang were also arrested during the operation, while security agencies are continuing the search for other suspects believed to be involved.
“The operation is still ongoing, and for operational reasons, we cannot disclose the exact location of the rescue. However, every individual connected with this criminal enterprise will be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” Abiodun said.
The governor assured residents that the state would maintain its campaign against kidnapping and other forms of criminality, warning that criminals would have no safe haven in Ogun.
He also expressed appreciation to the security agencies and local security groups involved in the operation, including the Inspector-General of Police, DSS leadership, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Armed Forces, NSCDC, Amotekun, vigilantes and hunters.
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