The Ogun State Government has announced the successful rescue of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers earlier this week.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed the development on Thursday during a briefing at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where he appeared alongside security chiefs and some of the rescued students.
Abiodun said the students were rescued alive in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, following a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
“I am pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that in the early hours of today, Thursday, August 6, 2026, the combined security operation successfully rescued all seven victims alive,” the governor said.
He disclosed that one of the students sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately evacuated for medical treatment.
“The student has since been stabilised,” he added.
According to the governor, the operation was significantly strengthened by the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance after the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, approved its use.
Abiodun said the aerial surveillance played a crucial role in locating and rescuing the abducted students.
He assured residents that the security operation remains ongoing, with security agencies continuing efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who are still at large.
“Our resolve is very clear. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident and investor,” he said.
The governor also commended the various security agencies involved in the operation, noting that recent joint security initiatives, particularly Operation Kò S’Áyé, had demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and sustained pressure on criminal elements.
Abiodun praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his administration’s commitment to tackling banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.
He cited the recent rescue of 308 abducted victims by Nigerian security forces as evidence of improving coordination among the nation’s security agencies.
The governor said the Federal Government’s investments in security infrastructure, improved intelligence coordination and modern security equipment, alongside the recent salary increase approved for personnel of the Armed Forces, would further improve the welfare and morale of security officers.
He said the successful rescue operations would help restore public confidence, strengthen national security and reinforce Ogun State and Nigeria’s attractiveness to local and foreign investors.
Abiodun also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the victims’ families, the rescued students and the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic for their patience, cooperation and support throughout the operation.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to invest in security infrastructure and provide logistical support to security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that no ransom was paid for the release of the students.
Ojajuni said the students regained their freedom solely through the coordinated efforts of security operatives.
He further disclosed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested and were assisting investigators with useful information.
According to him, security agencies have intensified the manhunt for other members of the gang who escaped and remain at large.
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