By Jelili Gbadamosi
Seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), who were abducted by gunmen last week, have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies in Ogun State.
The students were rescued in the early hours of Thursday after spending eight days in captivity, while two suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation.
Speaking at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Thursday, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the rescue followed an intensive search-and-rescue mission involving the police, military and other security agencies.
According to the governor, security operatives dominated the affected corridor and adjoining forests after the students were kidnapped from a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo.
Abiodun disclosed that one of the victims sustained a gunshot wound during the abduction but was promptly evacuated for medical treatment and has since been stabilised.
He explained that additional aerial surveillance was introduced after he requested support from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who approved the deployment of a police helicopter to complement the ongoing ground operation.
“I am pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that, in the early hours of today, Thursday, 6 August 2026, the combined security operation successfully rescued all seven victims alive,” the governor said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity, stressing that Ogun State would not serve as a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said no ransom was paid for the victims’ release, noting that all seven students were rescued through tactical operations.
“It was an operational affair. No ransom was paid. We rescued five in the early hours of today and reunited them with their families after medical treatment. The helicopter and ground forces later stormed the kidnappers’ hideout and rescued the remaining two victims,” he said.
Ojajuni added that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested and were assisting investigators, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
The students were abducted on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, when armed men invaded a private student hostel near the institution in Ipara-Remo. The attack, which reportedly lasted about 30 minutes, triggered widespread concern among students, parents and residents and prompted a large-scale security operation across the area.
