By Omobolaji Adekunle
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced the rescue of the seven Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade students who were abducted by gunmen last week, adding that two members of the kidnapping gang have also been arrested.
Abiodun disclosed on Thursday that the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network Agency (codenamed Amotekun), local vigilantes, and hunters.
The governor explained that the state government activated a comprehensive security response immediately after reports of the abduction emerged on July 29, 2026.
According to him, additional support was sought from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who approved the deployment of a police helicopter to aid the rescue mission.
Abiodun said five of the victims were rescued during the first phase of the operation, while the remaining two were freed during a follow-up operation involving aerial surveillance and ground troops.
He added that one of the victims sustained a gunshot wound but has been stabilized after receiving medical treatment.
The governor said, “I am pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that in the early hours of today, the combined security operation successfully rescued all seven victims alive.”
“Five victims were rescued in the first phase of the operation and reunited with their families after receiving medical attention, while the remaining two were rescued during a subsequent operation involving the police helicopter and ground forces.”
He added that two of the kidnappers have been arrested, while security operatives are intensifying efforts to apprehend other members of the gang.
Abiodun, however, declined to reveal the location of the operation, noting that investigations are still ongoing.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the state.
“There will be no hiding place for kidnappers or any other criminals in Ogun State. Whether they are principal offenders, collaborators, informants, logistics providers, or sponsors, they will be identified, tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he stated.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for strengthening the country’s security architecture and praised the efforts of the security agencies involved in the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, the parents of the victims, traditional rulers, and members of the host community for their support throughout the rescue mission.
Speaking on the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State confirmed that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims.
According to the commissioner, the victims were taken to a police medical facility for examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.
“It was a successful operation. No ransom was paid. We rescued five victims in the early hours of today and reunited them with their respective families.”
“Also in the early hours of today, a helicopter, working in coordination with ground forces, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and rescued the remaining two victims.”
“We have also successfully arrested two of the kidnappers. They are currently in our custody and are cooperating with the investigation,” he said.
The commissioner added that the operation is still ongoing and declined to disclose the exact location of the hideout.