The seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, abducted earlier this week by suspected kidnappers have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies in Ogun State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the successful rescue on Thursday while addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, alongside security chiefs and some of the rescued students.
The governor described the operation as a major breakthrough in the state’s fight against kidnapping, reiterating his administration’s determination to ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place in Ogun State.
Abiodun disclosed that the rescue operation involved personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
He said, “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.”
The governor revealed that one of the students sustained a gunshot injury during the abduction but had been evacuated for medical treatment and stabilised.
“One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately evacuated for medical attention. The student has since been stabilised,” he added.
Abiodun stated that the operation was still ongoing, noting that security agencies were intensifying efforts to apprehend all those connected to the crime.
“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.
The governor disclosed that the operation received a boost after the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, approved the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance, a development he said played a crucial role in the rescue mission.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security, Abiodun declared, “Our resolve is very clear. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident and investor.”
He further praised the effectiveness of Operation Kò S’Áyé and other joint security initiatives, saying they had demonstrated the value of intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration in tackling crime.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising security and strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies across the country.
“At this juncture, I must acknowledge the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has placed the restoration of peace and security at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda through sustained investment in the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies,” he said.
Abiodun added that improved intelligence coordination, acquisition of modern security equipment and reforms introduced by the Federal Government had enhanced collaboration among security agencies nationwide.
He expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the families of the victims, students and the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic for their support and cooperation throughout the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that no ransom was paid for the release of the students.
According to him, the victims were rescued solely through the coordinated efforts of security agencies.
Ojajuni further revealed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested and were assisting investigators with useful information, while security operatives had intensified the manhunt for other members of the gang still on the run.
The police commissioner assured residents that security agencies would continue to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within and around the state.
