The Kogi State Police Command has rescued all four victims abducted during the attack on Government Secondary School, Olowa Agbajo, in Dekina Local Government Area, and says security operatives have identified the perpetrators and are intensifying efforts to apprehend them.
According to an official signed statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the victims were rescued on Thursday, 16 July 2026, following sustained intelligence-led operations and coordinated bush-combing by a joint security team.
The statement said the operation was coordinated by the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, alongside the Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, and the Kogi State Security Adviser to the Governor, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd).
It added that the joint operation involved personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, hunters and other critical stakeholders, whose coordinated efforts mounted sustained pressure on the kidnappers.
The rescued victims were identified as Elder Daniel Iyanda, Mr. Solomon Peter, Miss Dorcas Sunday and Miss Dorcas Samuel. They regained their freedom at about 7:45 p.m. on 16 July 2026.
The Police Command said the suspects responsible for the abduction have been identified and that efforts to arrest them have reached an advanced stage. It assured residents that security operatives are closing in on the suspects, who will be apprehended and prosecuted.
The statement further disclosed that investigations are ongoing into the alleged unauthorised use of the abandoned Government Secondary School as a purported National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centre, warning that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as other security agencies and local stakeholders for their collaboration, which contributed to the successful rescue operation.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.
