The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following a coordinated security operation in the state.
Gunmen had stormed the orphanage on April 26 and whisked away 23 pupils alongside the wife of the orphanage proprietor, triggering widespread concern among residents.
Fifteen of the victims were earlier rescued on April 27 after security agencies intensified search operations across different parts of the state.
Confirming the latest development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said the remaining victims were rescued during a military operation carried out in the early hours of the day.
Fanwo described the successful rescue as a major victory against criminal elements terrorising parts of the state and a moment of relief for the affected families.
According to him, troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, supported by other security agencies, carried out the operation in the Agbaja Forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area.
He explained that the mission led to the rescue of five boys, two girls and two adult women without casualties.
“The rescued victims have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving adequate medical attention and care,” he stated.
Governor Ahmed Ododo commended officers and personnel of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies involved in the operation for their bravery and professionalism.
The governor also praised the resilience shown by the victims and their families during the period of captivity.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that criminal groups would not be allowed to establish a foothold in the state.
He said the government would continue to strengthen the state’s security architecture, improve intelligence gathering and provide support for security agencies to respond swiftly to threats.
The governor further appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts aimed at sustaining peace and security in Kogi State.
He also applauded heads of security agencies across the country for their cooperation and coordinated response in tackling violent crimes.
Ododo reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance against kidnapping and other criminal activities, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies to prevent future attacks.
He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to track down and prosecute those behind the abduction.