Omanghana
All remaining victims abducted from a secondary school in Kogi State have been safely rescued after a joint operation by Nigerian security forces, bringing an end to a tense 48-hour hostage situation.
The rescue operation followed the abduction of students and school officials at Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area, where armed gunmen attacked during ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
Authorities confirmed that all victims were recovered alive and unharmed after sustained pressure from security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon them in the forest.
Gunmen Attack School During NECO Examinations
The attack occurred at approximately 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, when armed attackers stormed the school premises while students were sitting for their examinations.
During the raid, the gunmen seized five individuals and took them into a nearby forest.
Those abducted included:
- Elder Daniel Iyanaa, the school principal
- Solomon Audu, a NECO ad-hoc examination supervisor
- Three female examination candidates, including Miss Dorcas Sunday
The incident immediately triggered a coordinated security response involving state and federal agencies.
First Victim Rescued Hours After Attack
A joint security team successfully rescued one of the female students later on Tuesday night, only hours after the abduction.
The rescue reduced the number of captives being held by the kidnappers from five to four, while security forces intensified operations to locate the remaining victims.
Military Pressure Forces Kidnappers to Release Hostages
On Thursday evening, July 16, 2026, security forces successfully recovered the remaining four victims after a sustained operation in the surrounding forest area.
Authorities said the intense military presence and extensive search operations forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and escape.
The rescued victims — including the school principal, examination supervisor, and two students — were found safe and without injuries.
They were transported to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, where they received medical examinations and underwent official debriefing.
Multi-Agency Security Operation Leads Rescue
The operation was carried out under the direction of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and involved a large-scale collaboration between multiple security agencies.
The rescue team included personnel from:
- The Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade
- 21 Battalion
- The Department of State Services (DSS)
- The Nigeria Police Force
- Local vigilante groups
- Community hunters familiar with the terrain
Security officials said the combined efforts of military personnel and local intelligence networks played a key role in locating and recovering the victims.
Investigation Raises Concerns Over “Miracle Centre” Operations
During investigations into the attack, military commanders and state authorities raised concerns about the school’s activities, describing it as an alleged unauthorized examination “miracle centre.”
Officials claimed that external candidates were reportedly brought to the isolated location to sit for examinations with illegal assistance.
Authorities suggested that the unusual activity may have increased the school’s vulnerability and made it an attractive target for criminal groups operating in remote areas.
Further investigations are expected to determine the full circumstances surrounding the allegations.
No Ransom Paid in Rescue Operation
Although the kidnappers reportedly contacted victims’ families and demanded a ransom, authorities confirmed that no money was exchanged before the hostages were released.
The criminals initially demanded ₦10 million, later reducing their request to ₦5 million, but the victims were ultimately freed through tactical security operations.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to School Safety
The successful rescue has renewed calls for stronger protection of schools in vulnerable areas, particularly during national examinations and other major educational activities.
Authorities said security agencies will continue working to prevent future attacks and dismantle criminal networks responsible for abductions across Kogi State and other parts of Nigeria.
Source: Omanghana
