Seven kidnapped students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, rescued as Gov. ABIODUN declares no safe haven for kidnappers.

By Afolabi Oyekunle.

The Ogun State Government on Thursday recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, with the successful rescue of the seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North Local Government Area, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers earlier this week.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, while addressing journalists at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in the company of security chiefs and some of the rescued students, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that kidnappers and other criminal elements have no hiding place anywhere in Ogun State.

The Governor disclosed that the rescue was achieved through a coordinated security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes and hunters.

“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.

“This operation is still ongoing, 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,” he said.

Governor Abiodun revealed that the operation received a significant boost after the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, approved the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance, a move that proved crucial to the successful rescue of the students.

“Our resolve is very clear. Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident and investor,” the Governor declared.

He added that security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who remain at large.

According to him, recent joint security initiatives, particularly Operation Kò S’Áyé, have demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration and sustained operational pressure against criminal elements.

Governor Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to combating banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country, noting that the recent rescue of 308 abducted victims by Nigerian security forces underscores the growing effectiveness of coordinated security operations nationwide. (Reuters)

“At this juncture, I must acknowledge the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has placed the restoration of peace and security at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda through sustained investment in the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“The strengthening of intelligence coordination, the acquisition of modern security assets and his deliberate reforms have continued to deepen inter-agency collaboration,” he said.

The Governor further noted that the Federal Government has continued to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, adding that the recent approval of a substantial salary increase for officers and men of the Armed Forces would further boost personnel welfare and morale.

He said the successful rescue of the 308 kidnapped victims demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of coordinated security operations across the country, restoring public confidence, strengthening national security and reinforcing Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for both local and foreign investment. (Reuters)

Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the families of the victims, the students and the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic for their patience, cooperation and support throughout the rescue operation.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to invest in security infrastructure and provide the necessary logistical support to security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state.

Speaking during the briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Mr. Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that no ransom was paid to secure the students’ freedom, stressing that the rescue was achieved solely through the coordinated efforts of security operatives.

The police commissioner further revealed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested and were already providing useful information to investigators, while security agencies had intensified the manhunt for other fleeing members of the gang.