The Kogi State Government has launched a coordinated multi-agency security operation to secure the rescue of four persons abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
The operation, ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with the active participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, five persons were initially abducted by the gunmen, but one has since been rescued, while security operatives have intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining four.
He said personnel of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja; the 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba; the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Kogi State Vigilante Service; local hunters; and other security outfits have been deployed for the operation.
It added that advanced technology is also being deployed to support the rescue mission, with encouraging progress already being recorded.
The statement disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area and that the examination arrangements did not conform with the security framework established by the state government for the ongoing NECO examinations.
The government, however, stressed that the circumstances surrounding the examination centre do not lessen its responsibility to protect every resident and visitor within the state.
“The victims are our people, and the Government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime,” the statement said.
To safeguard the integrity of the ongoing operation, the government said it would not release further operational details at this stage.
It appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and comply with security directives.
The government, however, stressed that the circumstances surrounding the examination centre do not lessen its responsibility to protect every resident and visitor within the state.
“The victims are our people, and the Government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime,” the statement said.
To safeguard the integrity of the ongoing operation, the government said it would not release further operational details at this stage.
It appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and comply with security directives.
