Addressing journalists during a briefing in Abeokuta on Thursday, the governor said the operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ogun State Security Network, local vigilantes and hunters.
Abiodun said the government’s swift intervention immediately after the incident underscored its commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents.
“The first duty of every responsible government is the protection of lives and property. A society can only flourish where its people feel safe to live, to work, to invest, and pursue their aspirations. Security, therefore, is not merely a function of government; it is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built,” the governor said.
He explained that the state government launched an intensive search and rescue mission immediately after the students were abducted on July 29, 2026, adding that additional support was sought from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who approved the deployment of a police helicopter to strengthen surveillance efforts.
“On Wednesday, the 29th day of July 2026, following the reports of the abduction of students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, our government immediately activated a coordinated security response,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that all seven victims were rescued alive during the operation conducted in the early hours of Thursday, August 6, 2026, although one of the victims sustained a gunshot injury.
“I am standing here this evening pleased to inform the good people of Ogun State that in the early hours of today, Thursday, 6th August 2026, the combined security operation successfully rescued all seven victims alive. One of the victims sustained a gunshot injury during the incident, and he was immediately evacuated for medical attention and has since been stabilized,” Abiodun said.
He warned criminals operating within the state that the government would stop at nothing to bring them to justice.
“Let me state unequivocally that there will be no hiding place for kidnappers or any other criminals in Ogun State, whether they are principal offenders, collaborators, informants, logistics providers, or their sponsors. They will be identified, they will be tracked down, they will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he declared.
The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the country’s security architecture and commended security agencies for their professionalism and commitment during the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, the students’ families, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for their cooperation and support throughout the operation.
“I think that I will be remiss if I fail to appreciate the cooperation that we received from the management, staff and leadership of the ICT Polytechnic in Saapade. I also want to appreciate the parents of the victims as well. Naturally, they were very worried, but I want to thank them for cooperating with our law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Abiodun further assured residents and investors that the government would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, deploy advanced surveillance equipment and provide the necessary support for security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police CP Olubode Ojajuni, revealed that no ransom was paid before the students regained their freedom.
According to him, security operatives rescued five of the victims during the first phase of the operation before the remaining two were rescued through a coordinated assault involving ground forces and aerial surveillance.
“It was a real operational affair. Ransom was not paid. We rescued five at the early hours of today, and we handed them over to their respective families after medical treatment. The helicopter, working with the ground forces, stormed the kidnappers’ den and rescued the remaining two victims,” the commissioner said.
Ojajuni also confirmed that two suspected kidnappers had been arrested, while efforts were continuing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
“And thereafter, we have successfully arrested two of the kidnappers as we speak. They are with us, and they are singing. We are still on the trail of others while the operation continues,” he added.
