Abiodun vows crackdown on kidnappers after Ogun students’ rescue

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday declared that kidnappers and other criminal elements would have no hiding place in the state following the rescue of the seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North Local Government Area, who were abducted earlier this week.

The governor, who addressed journalists at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, alongside security chiefs and some of the rescued students, said the successful operation underscored his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Abiodun said the students were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), 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.

One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately evacuated for medical attention. The student has since been stabilised.

“This operation is still ongoing, and I wish to assure the good people of Ogun State that our security agencies remain on the trail of every individual connected with this criminal enterprise,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the operation received a major boost after the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, approved the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance, which he said played a crucial role in the rescue.

Our resolve is very clear. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident and investor,” Abiodun said.

He added that security agencies had intensified efforts to arrest other members of the gang who remained at large

According to him, recent joint security operations, particularly Operation Kò S’Áyé, have demonstrated the benefits of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and sustained pressure on criminal elements.

The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, saying sustained investment in the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies had strengthened the country’s security architecture.

“At this juncture, I must acknowledge the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has placed the restoration of peace and security at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda through sustained investment in the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“The strengthening of intelligence coordination, the acquisition of modern security assets and his deliberate reforms have continued to deepen inter-agency collaboration,” he said.

Abiodun also noted that the recent salary increase approved for military personnel would boost their welfare and morale, while coordinated security operations across the country had continued to restore public confidence and improve national security.

He expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the families of the victims, the students and the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic for their cooperation throughout the rescue operation.

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to invest in security infrastructure and provide logistical support to security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

Speaking during the briefing, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said no ransom was paid to secure the students’ release, adding that they regained their freedom solely through the efforts of security operatives.

Ojajuni disclosed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested and were providing useful information to investigators, while security agencies had intensified the manhunt for other members of the gang still on the run.