Ogun scores major win against kidnapping syndicate

…rescues abducted polytechnic students alive

The Ogun State Government on Thursday recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, with the successful rescue of the seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North Local Government Area, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers earlier this week.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, while addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in the company of security chiefs and some of the rescued students, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that kidnappers and other criminal elements have no hiding place anywhere in Ogun State.

The Governor disclosed that the rescue was achieved through a coordinated security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), 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.

Governor Abiodun revealed that the operation received a significant boost after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, approved the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance, a move that proved crucial to the successful rescue of the students.

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

He added that security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who remain at large.

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