By Adejoke Adeleye

Seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted by gunmen on July 29, 2026, have been rescued alive following a coordinated security operation involving multiple security agencies, while two suspected kidnappers have been arrested.

Announcing the successful operation on Thursday at the Ogun State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun described the rescue as a significant breakthrough in the state’s fight against kidnapping and violent crime, declaring that criminal elements would find no sanctuary in Ogun State.

The governor said the operation was carried out through a joint effort involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun), local vigilantes and hunters.

According to him, the state government immediately activated an intensive rescue mission after the students were abducted along the Gateway ICT Polytechnic axis.

Abiodun disclosed that on August 3, he personally contacted the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to request aerial surveillance in support of the ongoing ground operations.

The request, he said, was promptly approved, leading to the deployment of a police helicopter that proved crucial to the mission.

The governor explained that the rescue operation was executed in phases. Five of the students were rescued during the initial operation, received medical attention and were reunited with their families, while the remaining two regained their freedom during a follow-up mission supported by the police helicopter and ground security teams.

He added that one of the students, who sustained a gunshot injury during the abduction, was immediately evacuated for medical treatment and has since been stabilised.

Abiodun revealed that two members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation, while security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

“The operation is still ongoing, and for operational reasons, we cannot disclose the exact location of the rescue. However, every individual connected with this criminal enterprise will be identified, arrested and prosecuted,” the governor said.

He vowed that the state would sustain coordinated operations to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, destroy criminal hideouts and deny criminals safe havens across Ogun forests.

“There will be no hiding place for kidnappers, their informants, collaborators, sponsors or logistics providers. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for residents, investors and visitors,” he declared.

The governor attributed the success of the operation to improved intelligence sharing and seamless collaboration among security agencies, citing recent security initiatives, including Operation KWS, as evidence of the state’s resolve to combat violent crimes.

Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the nation’s security architecture through enhanced investment in security agencies, improved intelligence coordination and better welfare for security personnel.

He equally praised Disu; the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi; the Ogun State Commissioner of Police; the Nigerian Army; NSCDC; Amotekun Corps; local vigilantes; hunters; and other security operatives for their professionalism and courage throughout the rescue mission.

The governor also expressed appreciation to the management, staff and students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, parents of the abducted students, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for their cooperation and patience during the operation.

He reassured residents and investors that Ogun remains safe for legitimate business activities, pledging sustained investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and logistics to keep security agencies ahead of emerging security threats.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police confirmed that no ransom was paid before the students regained their freedom.

The police chief said the first five victims were rescued and treated by the Police Medical Services before being reunited with their families, while the remaining two were freed during the helicopter-assisted operation.

He added that the two arrested suspects are in police custody and assisting investigators, while security operatives remain in the forest pursuing other fleeing members of the gang.

The commissioner declined to disclose the exact location of the rescue, explaining that the operation remains active and that the ongoing manhunt should not be jeopardised.