Joint security operation rescues five abducted Ogun poly students, two others

Five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were kidnapped last Wednesday in the Ipara Remo area of Ogun State, have been rescued through a combined security operation in the state.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, while addressing journalists in Abeokuta on Thursday, disclosed that two other victims, whose identities were not revealed, were also rescued.

He explained that his administration swung into action immediately the information reached him to ensure the unconditional release of the students and send a clear signal to perpetrators of criminal acts that Ogun State is not a safe haven for criminals.

Governor Abiodun, flanked by security chiefs, revealed that personnel and operational assets of the Nigerian Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network, vigilantes, local hunters, and other security agencies were jointly mobilised to dominate the affected corridor and adjoining forests in an intensive search-and-rescue operation.

He said his administration approached the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, when it recognised the need to strengthen the operation with additional air support.

“I reached out to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, 3rd August 2026, to deploy aerial surveillance to complement the ongoing ground operations.

“I am glad to report that the IG responded without delay by approving and deploying a police helicopter the same day.

“I am standing here this evening pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that, in the early hours of today, Thursday, 6 August 2026, the combined security operation successfully rescued all seven victims alive,” the governor said.

He, however, disclosed that one of the victims sustained gunshot injuries and was immediately evacuated for medical attention, adding that the operation is still ongoing.

Governor Abiodun acknowledged recent joint security initiatives, including Operation Koresaye, which he said demonstrated the value of intelligence sharing, coordinated inter-agency collaboration, and sustained operational pressure against criminal elements.

He maintained that there would be no hiding place for kidnappers or any other criminals in Ogun State.

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“Let me state unequivocally that 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 their sponsors, they will be identified… They will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law for the sake of every law-abiding citizen, resident, and investor,” he said.

Governor Abiodun also appreciated the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for placing the restoration of peace and security at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda, saying: “A society can only flourish where its people feel safe to live, to work, to invest, and pursue their aspirations. Security, therefore, is not merely a function of government. It is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.”

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, told journalists that no ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

He added that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, while security operatives were on the trail of others.

“No ransom was paid. We rescued five victims in the early hours of today and referred them to the police medical services. Around the same time, our helicopter and ground forces stormed the kidnappers’ den, rescuing the remaining two victims.

“They are currently with us and providing useful information. We remain on the trail of the remaining suspects as the operation continues. Thank you.

“I will withhold details about the exact location for now, as operations are still ongoing in the bush,” the governor said.