Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has welcomed the rescue of five kidnapped students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North Local Government Area of the state.

The governor also lauded the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for rescuing the victims.

The students, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers earlier this week, were rescued in the early hours of Friday, in an intelligence-led operation around Alamala community, off Ayetoro Road Roundabout, of the state capital. Also rescued were two non-students.

The governor described the rescue as a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, even as he reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that kidnappers and other criminal elements have no hiding place in the state.

He described the operation, which included members of the State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes and hunters, as a demonstration of the success that can be achieved when security agencies work together.

“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,” said the governor.

“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, stressing that

He stated that recent joint security efforts, especially Operation Kò S’Áyé, have proven how useful intelligence sharing, cooperation among agencies, and continuous operational pressure are in combating criminal groups.

The governor also commended President Bola 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.

“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.

“One of the kidnapped victims sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and was immediately evacuated for medical attention and has since been stabilised,” disclosed a security source.