Four kidnapped during NECO exams regain freedom in Kogi

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