Four kidnapped during NECO exams regain freedom in Kogi

The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of the four persons abducted during an attack on a National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, following an intensive joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and local vigilante groups.

The victims, comprising a school principal, a NECO official and two students, were rescued after security operatives mounted sustained pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee from their hideout in the forest.

The successful rescue was announced on Thursday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who attributed the operation to the swift intervention of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the attack on the examination centre.

According to Fanwo, Governor Ododo directed the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), to coordinate a comprehensive rescue mission involving personnel from the military, intelligence agencies, the police and local security outfits.

He said security forces immediately launched an intelligence-led operation and combed the forests surrounding Dekina Local Government Area, maintaining relentless pressure on the kidnappers until they were forced to abandon the victims.

Fanwo disclosed that Governor Ododo had, earlier on Thursday, reassured residents that every available resource would be deployed to secure the victims’ freedom while inspecting newly acquired Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) purchased by the state government to strengthen the fight against criminality.

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Only a few hours after the governor’s assurance, the victims regained their freedom as security personnel intensified their operations.

According to the commissioner, the overwhelming presence of heavily armed security operatives in the forest compelled the kidnappers to flee, leaving the victims behind.

He confirmed that the rescued school principal, NECO official and two students were all in good condition and are currently undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing by security agencies before reuniting with their families.

Fanwo added that security operatives have remained in the forest to sustain the operation and ensure every member of the criminal gang responsible for the abduction is identified, arrested and prosecuted.

He commended the courage, professionalism and coordination displayed by officers and men of the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, NSCDC, local vigilantes and other security agencies, describing the rescue as another demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led inter-agency collaboration.

The commissioner also conveyed the appreciation of the Kogi State Government to President Bola Tinubu, noting that the President directed heads of security agencies to provide every necessary support to facilitate the rescue operation.

According to him, the Federal Government’s support strengthened ongoing security efforts and contributed significantly to the successful rescue of the victims.

The state government reiterated that Governor Ododo’s administration remains committed to eliminating criminal elements across Kogi State through sustained investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, security logistics and inter-agency cooperation.

The victims were abducted earlier this week when armed men invaded the NECO examination centre in Olowa while candidates were writing the ongoing 2026 NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The incident sparked widespread concern over the safety of students, teachers and examination officials in vulnerable communities.

The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents, parents and education stakeholders, who praised the security agencies for their swift response. However, security experts have urged authorities to strengthen protection around schools and public examination centres, especially in areas facing persistent security threats.

The Kogi State Government has assured residents that security operations will continue until every member of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the attack is apprehended and brought to justice.

Four kidnapped during NECO exams regain freedom in Kogi

Police foil N22m kidnap plot in Kwara, arrest two Togolese suspects

The Kwara State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping and N22 million extortion plot in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, arresting two Togolese nationals allegedly involved in the criminal conspiracy.

The suspects, identified as Yakubu Ismaila and Hadiza Kosia, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation coordinated by operatives of the Okuta Police Division in collaboration with the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) after a resident reported receiving repeated threats demanding a ransom.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation began after S. Ismaila, a resident of Okuta, reported that an unidentified caller had demanded N22 million to prevent his abduction.

The caller also allegedly threatened to kidnap the complainant and murder his younger brother, Musa Ismaila, if the ransom was not paid.

Following the complaint, police operatives immediately launched a coordinated intelligence-driven investigation, deploying technical surveillance and digital tracking tools to trace the source of the threatening calls.

The operation led to the arrest of the two suspects before the alleged kidnapping plot could be executed. Police said preliminary investigations established a direct link between the suspects and the attempted kidnapping and extortion scheme. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the plot, providing investigators with useful information to expand the ongoing investigation.

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Security operatives also recovered the mobile phone allegedly used to issue the threatening calls, describing it as a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism, swift response and effective coordination. He said the timely intervention of the operatives prevented what could have escalated into a major security incident and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing.

The police commissioner disclosed that investigations had been intensified to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network believed to be connected to the failed kidnap plot. He assured residents that every individual linked to the conspiracy would be tracked down and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police also urged residents across Kwara State to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious persons and activities. According to the command, community participation remains critical in preventing crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent offences. Authorities further assured the public that intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and proactive policing would continue across the state to strengthen public safety.

Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges, prompting security agencies to adopt more technology-driven and intelligence-based strategies to dismantle criminal networks. Security experts have repeatedly called for stronger border surveillance and enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries to curb cross-border crimes involving kidnapping, human trafficking and arms smuggling.

The successful operation in Kwara State highlights the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in preventing criminal activities before they are carried out and underscores the importance of timely public information in supporting security agencies to combat insecurity.

Police foil N22m kidnap plot in Kwara, arrest two Togolese suspects

Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Begs Tinubu, Makinde for Body Recovery

The family of Deacon John Olaleye, one of two teachers killed during the mass abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has made an emotional appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to help recover his remains for a dignified burial . The deceased’s elder brother made the appeal following the release last Friday of the 39 pupils and remaining teachers abducted on May 15, 2026, after 56 days in captivity . “I am John Olaleye Olayinka’s brother, one of the teachers killed during Oriire abduction. We never knew he was killed not until we listened to the broadcast (by the governor). We beg the government to help us recover his remains even if it is his bone. It is about the future especially as it relates to his children,” the family member said . The family also begged the government to support the late teacher’s children’s education and provide employment for his wife to keep the family running . “Second, we would be happy if the government can support his wife with employment. The deceased left three children. We appealed to the government to help us sponsor their education,” the family member stated .

On May 15, 2026, heavily armed gunmen simultaneously attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, all in Oriire Local Government Area . The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, subjecting them to harsh conditions while being moved through forests to evade security operatives . Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, recounted the harrowing 56-day ordeal, revealing that children were beaten into silence, male teachers were chained and blindfolded, and the victims were forced to undertake dangerous midnight treks through forests . “You can only imagine it. It was not easy. We were in the forest, in the open, most of the time, under the sun and under the rain, with the children. But we kept going because there was no way out,” Alamu said . The principal disclosed that while she was not physically assaulted, several of the younger pupils endured severe beatings whenever they cried or made noise. The kidnappers would tie the children’s mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them . “The men had it worse than us. They were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained on their legs,” she added .

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During the 56-day ordeal, two teachers lost their lives. According to Alamu, Deacon John Olaleye was killed on the first Sunday in June, while Mr. Michael Oyedokun was also killed in captivity . “The deacon was killed on the first Sunday in June. They (terrorists) killed two colleagues of ours purposely because they felt that would force the government to give them whatever they wanted,” the principal stated . A third teacher, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises . Additionally, another teacher, Mr. Esiyan Adegboye, was shot dead on the day of the abduction on the school premises. Adegboye was buried in Ogbomoso on May 22 .

Security forces rescued the surviving victims on July 10, 2026, through a coordinated operation involving the military, Department of State Services, police, and local vigilantes . The operation lasted more than a month, focusing on identifying terrorist kingpins and dismantling their networks . The rescue operation claimed the lives of security personnel, including Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force . Additionally, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba, and an unnamed soldier also died during the operation . The Oyo State Government has honoured all the fallen victims in a memorial message, releasing an “In Memoriam” list containing the names of civilians and security personnel who died during the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota abduction incident . The civilians honoured include Mr. Michael Oyedokun, Deacon John Olaleye, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, and Mr. Oluwasegun Akanni .

The Senate approved a N50 million donation to the families of five victims—two teachers and three security operatives who lost their lives during the rescue operation . Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that each family would receive N10 million . “We’re extending a token of N50 million to be divided among the five deceased families—the families of the two teachers and the families of the three operatives who lost their lives—N10 million each,” Akpabio stated . The Senate President subsequently directed the leadership of the upper chamber to present the cheques to the bereaved families .

The family of Michael Oyedokun has also appealed to President Tinubu and Governor Makinde to help recover his remains . While Olaleye’s family joins this plea, they continue to wait for the recovery of his remains, hoping for closure after the tragic end to the 56-day ordeal . Governor Makinde, in his statewide broadcast following the rescue, acknowledged the pain of losing the teachers, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice . The Oyo State Government has committed to supporting the bereaved families during this trying period . The family of Deacon John Olaleye continues to wait for the recovery of his remains, hoping for closure after the tragic end to the 56-day ordeal .

Family of Slain Oyo Teacher Begs Tinubu, Makinde for Body Recovery