No Hiding Place for Kidnappers in Ogun, Gov. Abiodun Warns After Rescue of Seven Students
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has vowed that kidnappers and other criminal elements will find no safe haven in the State following the successful rescue of seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted earlier this week.
The students were rescued alive in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, 2026, after a coordinated operation involving various Security Agencies and Local Security formations.
Governor Abiodun disclosed the development while addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, alongside security chiefs and some of the rescued students.
He described the operation as a major breakthrough in the State’s ongoing battle against kidnapping and other forms of criminality, assuring residents that the Government would continue to provide the necessary support to security agencies to protect lives and property.
According to the Governor, the rescue operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
Abiodun said all seven students were successfully rescued alive, although one of them sustained a gunshot injury during the incident.
He explained that the injured student was immediately taken for medical attention and had since been stabilised.
«“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.»
«“One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately evacuated for medical attention. The student has since been stabilised.”»
The Governor stressed that the operation had not ended with the rescue of the students, saying security agencies were still pursuing other suspects believed to be connected with the kidnapping.
He declared that Ogun State would remain hostile to criminality while continuing to provide a safe environment for residents, businesses, investors and visitors.
A major boost to the operation, according to Abiodun, came after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, approved the deployment of a Police helicopter to support aerial surveillance during the operation.
The Governor said the deployment significantly strengthened the security agencies’ efforts and contributed to the successful rescue of the students.
He also linked the development to the effectiveness of recent joint security operations in the state, particularly Operation Kò S’Áyé, which he said had continued to demonstrate the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and sustained pressure on criminal networks.
Two Suspected Kidnappers Arrested
Providing further details on the operation, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Ojajuni said the suspects were already assisting investigators with useful information, while security operatives had intensified the search for other members of the gang who were still at large.
He also revealed that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the seven students.
According to him, the students regained their freedom solely through the coordinated efforts of security operatives involved in the rescue mission.
Gov. Abiodun Commends Tinubu, Security Forces
Governor Abiodun commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his administration’s continued commitment to tackling kidnapping, terrorism and banditry across Nigeria.
He noted that the Federal Government’s investment in the operational capacity of security agencies, improved intelligence coordination and acquisition of modern security equipment had contributed to strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The Governor also welcomed the recent approval of a significant salary increase for officers and men of the Armed Forces, saying improved welfare would help boost the morale of personnel serving in difficult and dangerous environments.
Abiodun further cited the recent rescue of 308 kidnapped victims by Nigerian security forces as evidence of the growing impact of coordinated security operations across the country.
He said such successes would help restore public confidence, strengthen national security and improve Nigeria’s attractiveness to local and foreign investors.
Appreciation to Families, Traditional Rulers and Polytechnic Management
The Governor expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, community leaders, families of the abducted students, the students themselves and the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic for their patience, cooperation and support throughout the rescue operation.
He assured Ogun residents that his administration would not relent in strengthening the state’s security infrastructure and providing logistics and other necessary support to security agencies.
Abiodun reiterated that the government would continue to work with security agencies and local communities to ensure that criminal elements are denied the opportunity to operate freely anywhere in Ogun State.
The successful rescue of the seven students has brought relief to their families, fellow students and the wider Gateway ICT Polytechnic community, even as security operatives continue their manhunt for other suspects allegedly involved in the kidnapping.
Global Mirror News gathered that the security operation remains ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to apprehend all those connected with the crime.
