Kogi State security forces rescue four kidnapped from NECO Exam Centre
The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of four individuals who were kidnapped during a recent attack on a National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre in Olowa, located within the Dekina Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed the development in a statement released on Thursday. He described the rescue as the successful outcome of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately following the incident.
*Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State
The Kogi State Government has announced the successful rescue of four individuals who were kidnapped during a recent attack on a National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre in Olowa, located within the Dekina Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed the development in a statement released on Thursday. He described the rescue as the successful outcome of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo immediately following the incident.
According to the Commissioner, Governor Ododo instructed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission. This operation drew together personnel from the Nigerian Army (specifically the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilante groups, who subsequently combed the surrounding forests.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser to coordinate the rescue operation,” Fanwo stated. “Just this evening, whilst inspecting Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen our anti-crime measures, the Governor assured journalists that every effort was being made to secure the release of the victims. A few hours later, they regained their freedom.”
The Commissioner explained that the intense, sustained pressure from heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee.
“Security operatives remain in the forest, and the operation is ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of these criminals escapes justice,” Fanwo added. “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 they are currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks.”
Fanwo commended the gallantry and professionalism of the joint forces, noting that their swift response serves as a testament to the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating insecurity.
The commissioner also expressed the Kogi State Government’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support, noting that the President had personally directed federal security chiefs to provide Kogi State with all necessary assistance.
He reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration remains resolute in its commitment to eliminating criminal elements from the state through continuous investment in intelligence, security logistics, and inter-agency cooperation.
