The Kogi Government on Thursday, July 16, 2026, confirmed the rescue of four persons abducted during an attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, while the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination was in progress.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who announced this in a statement in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, said the victims were rescued following a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Ododo shortly after the incident.
Fanwo said that Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Cmdr. Jerry Omodara retd), to immediately lead a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups to secure the victims’ release.
The commissioner said security operatives accordingly combed the forest where the abductors were believed to be hiding, leading to the successful rescue of the victims on Thursday.
Fanwo further said that while inspecting Armoured Personnel Carriers recently procured by the state government, Governor Ododo had assured that every effort was being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.
According to him; “A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. Sustained pressure and saturation of the forest by armed personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee,” he said.
Fanwo identified the rescued victims as the school principal, a NECO official and two students, adding that they were in good condition.
He said; “They are hale and hearty and are currently with security agencies for debriefing and medical checks. Security personnel remained in the forest to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
“Our resolve is clear. Anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law,” the spokesperson of the Kogi State Government said.
The State Government commended the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police and local security operatives for their professionalism and bravery, describing the rescue operation as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration.
Fanwo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing security chiefs to provide the state with the necessary support that led to the rescue of the victims.
The Information commissioner reaffirmed Governor Ododo administration’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, security logistics and collaboration among security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.
The victims were abducted at about 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 when gunmen attacked the alleged unauthorised examination centre while students were writing the NECO examination.
