Five students of the Ogun State-owned Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North Local Government Area, and two other abducted victims have been rescued after spending about a week in captivity.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the rescue on Thursday, saying the victims were freed in the early hours of the day through a joint operation by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
Abiodun, who addressed journalists at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, alongside security chiefs and some of the rescued students, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Ogun State unsafe for kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The governor said the operation involved personnel from 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, 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,” Abiodun said.
He disclosed that one of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately taken for medical treatment, adding that the student had been stabilised.
“The 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 added.
Abiodun said the operation received a major boost following the approval of a police helicopter by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for aerial surveillance, which played a key role in locating and rescuing the victims.
“Our resolve is very clear. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident and investor,” the governor said.
He added that security agencies were intensifying efforts to arrest other members of the gang who remain at large.
According to Abiodun, recent joint security initiatives, including Operation Kò S’Áyé, have shown the effectiveness of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and sustained pressure against criminal networks.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s efforts in tackling insecurity nationwide, citing improved coordination among security agencies and increased investment in operational capacity.
He also noted that recent reforms, including improved welfare for security personnel and the acquisition of modern security equipment, would further strengthen the country’s security architecture.
Abiodun said the rescue of the 308 kidnapped victims recently by Nigerian security forces demonstrated the growing effectiveness of coordinated operations, adding that such efforts would help restore public confidence and improve Nigeria’s image as a destination for investment.
He expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the victims’ families, the students and the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic for their patience and 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 protect lives and property across the state.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release.
Ojajuni said the rescue was achieved through the coordinated efforts of security operatives and disclosed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested and were providing useful information to investigators.
He added that security agencies had intensified efforts to track down other members of the gang still at large.
