Kogi State confirms the safe rescue of a school principal, NECO official and two students abducted during an attack on GSS Olowa.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of four people abducted during an armed attack on Government Secondary School (GSS) Olowa in Dekina Local Government Area, bringing relief to residents and the school community after days of anxiety.
The victims, identified as the school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) ad hoc official, and two students, were freed following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups, and other security operatives.
The abduction occurred on July 14, 2026, when armed men stormed the school at about 5:25 p.m. while students were writing their examinations.
The attackers reportedly caused panic on the school premises before whisking away the principal, the NECO official, and the two students into a nearby forest.
Confirming the rescue in a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the operation was carried out on the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who ordered an immediate response after receiving reports of the attack.
Fanwo explained that the governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a joint rescue mission involving multiple security agencies and local security operatives.
According to him, security personnel launched an intensive search across the forest shortly after the abduction, maintaining pressure on the kidnappers through sustained operations and intelligence-led tactics.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation.
The State Security Adviser and the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local security operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued,” Fanwo said.
He added that Governor Ododo had earlier assured residents and journalists that every available effort was being made to secure the victims’ release.
The assurance was given while the governor was inspecting Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the Kogi State Government to strengthen the fight against criminality.
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Fanwo noted that the sustained pressure mounted by security operatives eventually forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee from the forest.
“A few hours later, the victims regained their freedom. The sustained pressure on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee,” he said.
The Commissioner confirmed that the rescued principal, NECO official, and the two students were safe and in stable condition. He said they were currently with security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks.
He also disclosed that security operatives remained deployed in the forest as the operation continued, with efforts focused on tracking down the fleeing suspects and ensuring they are brought to justice.
“Security operatives remain in the forest and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice.
Our resolve is clear: anyone who chooses the path of crime in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law,” Fanwo added.
The Commissioner commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local vigilante groups, and all other agencies involved in the rescue mission.
He described their swift response as evidence of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity.
Fanwo also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the state’s security efforts.
According to him, the President directed the heads of security agencies to provide Kogi State with every necessary assistance to secure the release of the abducted victims.
“The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims.
Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property,” he said.
The successful rescue has brought relief to residents of Olowa and the wider Dekina Local Government Area, where concerns had grown over the safety of schools and examination centres following the attack.
The Kogi State Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening security across the state, particularly around schools and vulnerable communities, and assured residents that efforts to dismantle criminal networks would continue.
Authorities urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements.
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