Breakthrough in Student Rescue Operation

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday disclosed that four additional suspects linked to the abduction of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, have been arrested. This development comes as security agencies intensified efforts to track down other members of the kidnapping gang following the successful rescue of the students.

The governor noted that two other members of the gang were earlier arrested on Thursday during the operation that culminated in the rescue. He described the progress as a major breakthrough in the state’s fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality, warning that Ogun would not provide a safe haven for criminals.

Sometime before the end of July, some of our students were kidnapped by unscrupulous elements. To the glory of God, with the cooperation and collaboration of our law enforcement agencies and the support we received from Mr. President, the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS, we worked night and day. Yesterday, we rescued all seven students alive. We have arrested four more of the kidnappers, while the remaining suspects are still on the run. We will arrest them as well.

— Dapo Abiodun, Governor, Ogun State

Coordinated Security Efforts

Governor Abiodun attributed the successful rescue operation to the high level of coordination among various security outfits. The operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, as well as local hunters and vigilantes.

He further acknowledged the critical support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS throughout the operation. The governor emphasized that the remaining members of the gang who are still at large would be tracked down and brought to justice through continued surveillance and collaboration.

Zero Tolerance for Criminality

Reaffirming his administration’s zero tolerance for crime, Abiodun warned criminals operating or seeking to establish networks in the state that security agencies would continue to pursue them. The disclosure came against the backdrop of growing concerns over kidnapping and insecurity in various parts of the state.

Ogun State will not allow crime or criminality. Those who come here to test our resolve will be tracked down, smoked out, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law.

— Dapo Abiodun, Governor, Ogun State

The governor highlighted that Ogun’s position as Nigeria’s industrial capital makes security a top priority for his administration. He stressed that the state cannot afford to allow criminal elements to disrupt economic activities or threaten the lives of residents, pledging to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to prevent future occurrences.