The Kogi State Government has mobilised a large-scale, multi-agency security operation to secure the safe rescue of four persons abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area, during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
The operation is being directed by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with full participation from all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state.
Five people were initially abducted by the assailants. One victim has since been rescued, while efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the remaining four: Elder Daniel Iyanaa — Principal, Government Secondary School, Olowa, Mr. Solomon Audu — a NECO official, Miss Dorcas Sunday — a NECO candidate, and a second female NECO candidate, identified only as “Miss Dorcas,” whose surname has yet to be confirmed
Officers and personnel from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army (Lokoja), the 21 Battalion (Anyigba), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters, and other security outfits have all been deployed to the area. The state government said advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, and that encouraging progress is being recorded.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, preliminary findings indicate that the examination centre — located in a remote and vulnerable area — was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates. The two female candidates involved were reportedly not regular students of GSS Olowa, and the examination arrangements did not align with the security framework the state government had put in place to protect candidates sitting the ongoing NECO examinations statewide.
The government stressed that these irregularities do not diminish its responsibility to protect every resident and every Nigerian within its borders, describing the victims as “our people” and vowing to spare no effort in securing their safe rescue and in arresting those responsible.
To protect the integrity of the ongoing operation, the government said it would not disclose further operational details at this time. It urged residents of Olowa and surrounding communities to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information and complying with security directives.
The Kogi State Government said it remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and will continue working closely with security agencies until the victims are safely reunited with their families.
