Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced the successful rescue of the seven people abducted during the recent attack involving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
The governor made the announcement in a post on his official X account on Thursday, saying all the victims were rescued alive after a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies.
According to Abiodun, the operation brought together 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, hunters and other security agencies.
He said the state government immediately activated a comprehensive security response after the incident was reported and later sought aerial surveillance support from the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen the operation.
He said: “We are delighted to announce the successful rescue of all seven victims abducted in connection with the recent incident involving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade. The victims were rescued alive through a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, local hunters, and other security agencies.”
The governor praised the security personnel for their commitment and teamwork, describing the rescue as the result of effective collaboration among security agencies.
“We commend all security personnel whose courage, professionalism, and collaboration made this successful operation possible,” he said.
Abiodun stressed that the protection of lives and property remains central to his administration’s agenda.
“The safety and security of our people remain the foundation upon which our vision for a prosperous Ogun State rests. Without security, our people cannot live, work, invest, and pursue their aspirations with confidence.”
Expressing gratitude over the outcome of the operation, the governor said, “It is therefore with a deep sense of gratitude to Almighty God that we confirm the successful rescue of all seven victims abducted in the recent incident involving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.”
He added that the rescue reflected the impact of coordinated security efforts and intelligence gathering.
“This outcome demonstrates what is possible through decisive leadership, intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and sustained operational pressure. From the moment the incident was reported, we mobilised the relevant security agencies and subsequently strengthened the operation with aerial surveillance to complement the intensive ground efforts.”
Abiodun also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders, local hunters, vigilantes and residents who provided useful information during the operation.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of all the security personnel involved, as well as our traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilantes, local hunters, and residents who supported the operation with useful intelligence.”
The governor, however, said security operations were still ongoing to ensure those responsible for the abduction are arrested and prosecuted.
“Our work, however, is not finished. Operations are continuing to bring everyone connected with this criminal enterprise to justice and dismantle the networks that enable such crimes.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security across the state, warning criminals that Ogun would not provide a safe haven for unlawful activities.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening Ogun State’s security architecture. Our message to criminal elements is unequivocal: there will be no safe haven for criminality anywhere in Ogun State.
“Together, we will continue to protect our people, preserve the peace of our communities, and sustain Ogun State as a safe destination for residents, visitors, businesses, and investors.”
