All seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Ogun State last week have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation involving multiple security agencies.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the successful operation on Thursday, revealing that two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate had been arrested, while security operatives had intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun said the rescue mission was executed through a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
He disclosed that one of the rescued students sustained a gunshot wound during the abduction but had received urgent medical attention and was in stable condition.
The governor explained that the state government immediately activated an extensive security response after the students were kidnapped on July 29, adding that the intervention was further strengthened after he sought aerial support from the Inspector-General of Police.
He said, “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.
“Five victims were rescued in the first phase of the operation and reunited with their families after receiving medical attention, while the remaining two were rescued during a subsequent operation involving the police helicopter and ground forces.
“One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident. He was immediately evacuated for medical attention and has since been stabilised.
“I am also pleased to note that, as of this moment, two of the kidnappers have been arrested, while our security agencies remain on the trail of the remaining members of the criminal gang.”
Abiodun credited the deployment of a police helicopter with significantly boosting the operation, noting that the request for additional air support received immediate approval.
“Recognising the need to strengthen the operation with additional air support, I reached out to the Inspector-General of Police on Monday, August 3, 2026, to deploy aerial surveillance to complement the ongoing ground operations. I am pleased to report that the Inspector-General responded without delay by approving and deploying a police helicopter that same day,” he said.
The governor declined to reveal the exact location where the victims were rescued, saying operational considerations made it necessary to withhold such information.
“This operation is still in progress, and I wish to assure the good people of Ogun State that our security agencies remain on the trail of every individual connected with this criminal enterprise. For operational reasons, certain details, including the exact location of the rescue operation, cannot yet be disclosed,” he said.
He assured residents that the state would remain relentless in its fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Abiodun also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen national security 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 coordinated response.
He equally appreciated the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, the families of the victims, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for their cooperation throughout the rescue efforts.
Providing further details, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, dismissed reports that ransom was paid to secure the students’ freedom.
“It was a successful operation. No ransom was paid. We rescued five victims in the early hours of today and reunited them with their respective families. Before handing them over, we took them to the Police Medical Services for medical examination and treatment,” he said.
Ojajuni disclosed that the final two students were freed during another tactical operation involving aerial and ground security teams.
“In the early hours of today, a helicopter, working in coordination with ground forces, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and rescued the remaining two victims. We have also successfully arrested two of the kidnappers. They are currently in our custody and are cooperating with the investigation,” he said.
He added that the location of the rescue operation would remain undisclosed while security personnel continued clearance operations in the area.
Reacting to the development, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) hailed the successful rescue as a major victory for the student community.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, the association commended Governor Abiodun, the Ogun State Police Command and all participating security agencies for their swift and coordinated intervention.
NANS described the operation as evidence that intelligence-led policing, effective inter-agency collaboration and strong government backing could significantly curb criminal activities.
The association, however, urged authorities to strengthen security around tertiary institutions and student host communities to prevent future attacks.
Only a day earlier, NANS had issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government and security agencies, demanding the rescue of the abducted Gateway ICT Polytechnic students, the arrest of those responsible for the killing of a female student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, and decisive action against worsening insecurity across higher institutions in the state.
The student body had warned that it would embark on sustained peaceful protests if its demands were not addressed within the stipulated period.
The latest rescue comes against the backdrop of rising security concerns around tertiary institutions in Ogun State.
An HND II Marketing student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, was recently shot dead during an armed robbery attack at Eruku Community on July 27, while another student survived with gunshot injuries and remains on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
The abduction of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic students from a private hostel in Ipara Remo on July 29 had also sparked widespread concern, prompting the Ogun State Police Command to activate its tactical units and launch an intensive search operation that has now culminated in the successful rescue of all seven victims.
(Ripples)