Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has confirmed that all seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were kidnapped on July 29 have regained their freedom, revealing that the government did not pay any ransom for their release.
The governor disclosed this on Thursday while speaking at the Ogun State Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, explaining that the students were freed through a coordinated security operation involving several agencies and local security groups.
Those involved included the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Security Network, Amotekun, local vigilantes and hunters.
Abiodun said security personnel began efforts to locate the victims immediately after their abduction around the Gateway ICT Polytechnic area.
He revealed that he contacted Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on August 3 and requested aerial surveillance to strengthen the operation. A police helicopter was subsequently deployed to support the ground teams.
Five of the students were rescued during the initial operation and later received medical attention before being reunited with their families. The other two were recovered during a subsequent operation involving both the helicopter and ground-based security personnel.
The governor also disclosed that one of the victims suffered a gunshot injury during the attack. He said the student was treated and is currently in stable condition.
Two suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while security agencies continue efforts to track down other members of the gang.
“The operation is still ongoing, and for operational reasons, we cannot disclose the exact location of the rescue. However, every individual connected with this criminal enterprise will be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” Abiodun said.
He assured residents that his administration would continue its crackdown on kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state, warning criminals that Ogun would provide no safe haven for them.
Abiodun also commended the police, DSS, military, NSCDC, Amotekun, vigilantes, hunters and other security personnel for their roles in securing the students’ freedom.
