All four people abducted during the attack on Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, in Kogi State have been rescued.
Security agencies confirmed that the victims regained their freedom after an intensive joint operation that placed sustained pressure on the kidnappers.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the suspects have already been identified, while efforts to arrest them have reached an advanced stage.
The school abduction occurred on July 14, 2026, when armed attackers invaded the school premises in Dekina Local Government Area.
The operation was led by the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi.
Furthermore, the Commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, joined the operation. The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), also participated in coordinating the rescue effort.
Moreover, local vigilantes, hunters and other community stakeholders supported the operation.
According to the police, intelligence gathering played a major role throughout the rescue mission. Bush-combing operations were also carried out across different locations.
As a result, the kidnappers were forced under intense pressure. The victims were eventually rescued at about 7:45 p.m. on July 16.
Those rescued include Elder Daniel Iyanda, Mr. Solomon Peter, Miss Dorcas Sunday and Miss Dorcas Samuel.
In a statement issued by the command, authorities assured residents that the operation is far from over.
According to the statement:
“The Command wishes to assure the public that the perpetrators have been identified and that efforts to apprehend them have reached an advanced stage.”
Furthermore, the statement added:
“With the victims now safely rescued, security operatives are closing in on the suspects, who will be arrested and brought to justice.”
Meanwhile, investigators are examining another aspect of the incident.
Police disclosed that the abandoned Government Secondary School was allegedly used as a NECO examination centre without proper approval.
Consequently, a separate investigation has been opened.
The command stated:
“Investigation into the unauthorized use of the abandoned Government Secondary School as a purported NECO examination centre is ongoing, and anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.”
The Command further credited the success of the rescue operation to the strong collaboration among security agencies and key stakeholders.
It specifically acknowledged the strategic leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, whose operational directives were said to have strengthened security efforts across the country.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes and community members were commended for their collaboration.
The command stressed that security challenges are better addressed through cooperation among all stakeholders.
Although the victims have been rescued safely, but the search for the kidnappers continues.
