In a decisive demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s determination to rid Ogun State of kidnapping, security operatives on Thursday successfully rescued all seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who had been abducted earlier in the week by suspected kidnappers in Remo North Local Government Area.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the breakthrough at a press briefing held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, flanked by security chiefs and some of the freed students. He declared that the state would remain hostile territory for criminals.
“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. One student sustained a gunshot injury during the incident but has been stabilised after receiving prompt medical attention.
The rescue was the product of a tightly coordinated multi-agency effort involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes and hunters. A critical boost came when Inspector-General of Police Mr. Olatunji Disu approved the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance, a move officials described as pivotal to locating and extracting the victims.
Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni confirmed that no ransom was paid. The students’ freedom was secured solely through operational pressure. Two suspected kidnappers have already been arrested and are cooperating with investigators, while the manhunt continues for other members of the gang still at large.
Governor Abiodun linked the success to ongoing joint initiatives, particularly Operation Kò S’Áyé, which emphasises intelligence sharing and sustained inter-agency pressure. He reaffirmed that Ogun State would offer “no hiding place” to kidnappers or other criminal elements, stressing the administration’s commitment to making the state safe for residents, students and investors.
The governor also acknowledged the broader national security push under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing recent coordinated rescues across the country, including the recovery of 308 abducted victims, as evidence of improving operational capacity. He expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, community leaders, the victims’ families, the students and the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic for their cooperation throughout the ordeal.
Security agencies remain on the trail of the remaining suspects. Officials say the operation is ongoing and that pressure on the criminal network will not ease.