Four Kidnap Victims Rescued in Dekina — DSS Joins Rescue and Healing Efforts, Says Kogi Govt
The Kogi State Government on Thursday announced the successful rescue of four persons abducted during a recent attack on an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Femi Fanwo said the rescue was the result of a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident. The Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to lead a joint mission involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security operatives.
“Shortly after the kidnapping incident, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate the rescue operation,” the Commissioner said. “The State Security Adviser and the leadership of the 12 Brigade and the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police and local security operatives stormed the forest to ensure the victims were rescued.”
Fanwo said Governor Ododo personally inspected Armoured Personnel Carriers recently procured by the state to bolster its capacity to confront criminality and had assured journalists that every available effort was being made to secure the hostages’ release. A few hours after the inspection, the four victims — the school principal, a NECO official and two students — were recovered.
“The sustained pressure on the kidnappers and the saturation of the forest by heavily armed security personnel forced the criminals to abandon the victims and flee,” the Commissioner reported. “Security operatives remain in the forest and the operation is still ongoing. We are determined to ensure that none of the criminals escapes justice.”
On their condition, Fanwo said the rescued victims are “hale and hearty” and have been handed over to security agencies for debriefing and necessary medical checks. He added that the DSS is playing a central role not only in the rescue but also in the victims’ immediate healing and recovery, facilitating medical attention and arranging psychosocial support to address trauma arising from the abduction.
Fanwo commended the “gallantry and professionalism” of officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Police, local security operatives and other agencies involved, describing the swift joint response as further proof of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating insecurity.
The Commissioner also expressed the administration’s gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for instructing the heads of security agencies to render all necessary support to Kogi State. “The President directed the heads of the security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims. Today, that support has yielded the desired result. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for standing firmly with Kogi State in our determination to protect lives and property,” Fanwo said.
Governor Ododo’s administration reiterated its commitment to rid the state of criminal elements, promising ongoing investment in intelligence, security logistics, and inter-agency cooperation to safeguard residents. The government said it will continue the hunt for the perpetrators and prosecute anyone found culpable to the full extent of the law.
Signed:
Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications
