Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced the successful rescue of the seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted by gunmen, declaring that the state would remain “hostile to criminality” as security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.

Abiodun disclosed that all the victims were rescued alive in the early hours of yesterday through a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

The governor, who spoke after successful joint operation by operatives in his office , said one of the students sustained a gunshot injury during the abduction but had been evacuated for medical treatment and was in stable condition.

He stated that the rescue followed the activation of a joint security operation immediately after the students were abducted on July 29, 2026.

According to him, the operation received a major boost after he requested the deployment of aerial surveillance from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on August 3.

“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,” the governor said.

Abiodun vowed that every person linked to the crime, including kidnappers, collaborators, informants, logistics providers, and sponsors, would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
“Our resolve is very clear: Ogun State will remain hostile to criminality and will be safe for every law-abiding citizen, resident, or investor,” he said.

He added that security agencies would sustain coordinated operations to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, destroy criminal hideouts, and deny criminals safe haven anywhere in the state.

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising security and strengthening the country’s security architecture through improved intelligence coordination, acquisition of operational assets, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

He also praised the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS, the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes and community members for their roles in the rescue operation.

Abiodun further appreciated the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, the institution’s governing board, staff, students, and the parents of the victims for cooperating with security agencies throughout the operation

“I want to thank the parents for cooperating with our law enforcement agencies by allowing them to take the lead. This has been a successful collaboration among all security agencies and members of the host community,” he said.

Providing operational details, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Olabode Ojajuni, said the rescue was carried out without the payment of ransom.

“It was a real operational affair. Ransom was not paid. We rescued five victims in the early hours of today and reunited them with their families after they received medical attention at the Police Medical Services,” Ojajuni said.

He explained that security operatives, supported by a police helicopter, later stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, rescued the remaining two victims, and arrested two suspects.

“Thereafter, we successfully arrested two of the kidnappers. They are with us, and they are singing. We are still on the trail of others while the operation continues,” he added.

When pressed to disclose the location of the rescue operation, the police commissioner declined, saying the exercise was still ongoing.

“Let me not talk about the location because we are still operating. We are still in the bush as I speak with you,” he said.
Abiodun also justified the decision not to reveal the exact location, stressing that operational details would only be made public after security agencies conclude the ongoing manhunt.

“The most important thing is that all the victims have been rescued, some of the kidnappers have been arrested, and we are on the trail of the remaining kidnappers,” the governor said.

He reassured residents and investors that Ogun State remained safe and secure, pledging continued investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, operational mobility, and logistics support for security agencies to combat emerging threats.