All seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, abducted by gunmen last week have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies.
The students were kidnapped on July 29, 2026, from a private hostel in Ipara Remo, triggering an intensive search operation by security forces.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, announced their rescue on Thursday, saying two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate had also been arrested.
Abiodun, who spoke at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
He said five of the victims were rescued in the first phase of the operation and reunited with their families after receiving medical attention, while the remaining two were rescued in a subsequent operation involving a police helicopter and ground forces.
“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,” Abiodun said.
The governor disclosed that one of the rescued students sustained a gunshot injury during the abduction but had received immediate medical attention and was in stable condition.
He said the state government intensified its response after the abduction and subsequently sought aerial support from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
According to him, the police helicopter was deployed on August 3 to complement ongoing ground operations.
“Recognising the need to strengthen the operation with additional air support, I reached out to the Inspector-General of Police on Monday, August 3, 2026, to deploy aerial surveillance to complement the ongoing ground operations,” he said.
“I am pleased to report that the Inspector-General responded without delay by approving and deploying a police helicopter that same day.”
Abiodun declined to disclose the exact location where the students were rescued, citing ongoing security operations.
“This operation is still in progress, and I wish to assure the good people of Ogun State that our security agencies remain on the trail of every individual connected with this criminal enterprise,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts to strengthen national security and praised the police, DSS, Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps and other security agencies for their coordinated response.
The governor also appreciated the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, the victims’ families, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents for their cooperation during the rescue operation.
No ransom paid – Police
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, separately confirmed the rescue and dismissed reports that ransom was paid to secure the students’ release.
“It was a successful operation. No ransom was paid. We rescued five victims in the early hours of today and reunited them with their respective families,” Ojajuni said.
He explained that the five students were taken to the Police Medical Services for examination and treatment before being handed over to their families.
According to him, the remaining two students were rescued in another tactical operation involving aerial and ground teams.
“In the early hours of today, a helicopter, working in coordination with ground forces, 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.
He said the rescue location would remain undisclosed as security personnel continued clearance operations in the area.
NANS commends security agencies
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described the successful rescue as a major victory for the student community.
In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Oladimeji Uthman, the association commended Governor Abiodun, the Ogun State Police Command and other participating security agencies for what it described as a swift and coordinated response.
NANS said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and strong government support in tackling criminal activities.
However, the student body called for stronger security around tertiary institutions and student host communities to prevent similar attacks.
Only a day before the rescue, NANS had issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government and security agencies, demanding the release of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic students, the arrest of those responsible for the killing of a female student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, and urgent action to address worsening insecurity in tertiary institutions across the state.
The association had threatened sustained peaceful protests if its demands were not met.
The latest rescue comes amid growing security concerns around tertiary institutions in Ogun State.
An HND II Marketing student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, was recently killed during an armed robbery attack at Eruku Community on July 27, while another student sustained gunshot injuries and remained on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
The rescue of the seven Gateway ICT Polytechnic students brings relief to their families and the wider student community, while security agencies continue efforts to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
