ABEOKUTA – Five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, who were abducted by gunmen last week, have been rescued alive in a coordinated security operation, with two suspected kidnappers arrested.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, announced the successful rescue on Thursday while addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the governor, the rescue was carried out through joint operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
Abiodun disclosed that five of the students were rescued during the first phase of the operation, while the remaining two regained their freedom in a subsequent operation supported by a police helicopter and ground forces.
He added that one of the rescued students sustained a gunshot injury during the abduction but had been evacuated for medical treatment and stabilised.
The governor said the state government immediately activated a coordinated security response after the students were abducted on July 29, adding that he requested the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, who approved the deployment of a police helicopter to strengthen the operation.
“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,” Abiodun said.
He confirmed the arrest of two suspected kidnappers, noting that security operatives are still pursuing other members of the gang.
The governor who declined to mention the location of the rescue operation, he assured residents that security operatives remained committed to dismantle the criminal network behind the abduction.
Abiodun commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and praised the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps and other security agencies for their collaboration.
He also appreciated the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, parents of the victims, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for their support throughout the rescue operation.
Speaking at the briefing, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said no ransom was paid to secure the students’ release.
“It was a successful operation. No ransom was paid,” Ojajuni stated.
He added that the rescued students received medical examination and treatment before being reunited with their families.
He confirmed that the remaining two students were rescued during a coordinated assault involving a police helicopter and ground forces, while the two arrested suspects are in the custody for interrogation.
