By: Lauretta, Fagbohun.
Seven students of Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted about a week ago, have been rescued alive following a coordinated operation by security agencies in Ogun State.
The successful rescue was announced on Thursday by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, during a press briefing at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where Governor Dapo Abiodun also confirmed the development.
Ojajuni disclosed that five of the victims were rescued in the early hours of Thursday and immediately taken to the Police Medical Services for treatment, while the remaining two were freed after security operatives, supported by a police helicopter, raided the kidnappers’ hideout.
He stressed that no ransom was paid for the release of the students.
“No ransom was paid. We rescued five victims in the early hours of today and referred them to the Police Medical Services. Around the same time, our helicopter and ground forces stormed the kidnappers’ den, rescuing the remaining two victims,” the commissioner said.
According to him, one of the rescued students sustained a gunshot wound during the ordeal but was promptly evacuated for medical attention and has since been stabilised.
The police commissioner added that the victims were already assisting investigators with useful information as security agencies intensified efforts to arrest other members of the kidnapping syndicate. He, however, declined to disclose the location of the rescue operation, citing ongoing security operations.
The students were kidnapped on July 29, prompting the Ogun State Government to launch a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), vigilantes and local hunters.
Governor Abiodun revealed that the rescue operation gained momentum after he contacted the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on August 3, requesting aerial surveillance to complement ground operations. He said a police helicopter was deployed the same day, strengthening the search efforts.
“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 said.
Abiodun commended the security agencies for their professionalism and collaboration, describing the operation as proof of the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation.
He vowed that kidnappers and their collaborators would not find refuge in Ogun State, warning that informants, logistics providers and sponsors of criminal activities would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“There will be no hiding place for kidnappers or any other criminals in Ogun State. Whether they are principal offenders, collaborators, informants, logistics providers or sponsors, they will be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he said.
The governor also praised the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the 35 Artillery Brigade, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, local hunters and community leaders for their contributions to the successful operation.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that security is a collective responsibility, while assuring investors and residents that Ogun State remains safe for business and investment.
