Fatimah Otunsanya
Five students of Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, in Remo North local government area of Ogun State, who were abducted by gunmen, have been rescued by operatives of the State Police Command following a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.
The students were reportedly kidnapped late on Monday in the Sapade area. Police sources disclosed that a distress call was received at about 10:55 p.m. by officers at the Ipara Division, prompting an immediate response to the scene.
On arrival, security operatives discovered an ash-coloured Toyota vehicle riddled with bullet holes and stained with blood. Several mobile phones and personal belongings were also recovered from the abandoned car.
“Further examination of the scene revealed an identity card belonging to a student of Gateway Polytechnic, Sapade, confirming that the victims were students,” the Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said in a statement issued Wednesday.
He added that the development led to the swift escalation of the situation and the launch of a full-scale rescue mission.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, subsequently ordered the deployment of tactical teams and directed what he described as an “intelligence-driven operation” to secure the victims’ release.
Operatives drawn from multiple formations, including the Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit, Quick Response Squad, and OP MESA, were mobilised for coordinated bush-combing and tracking operations across suspected escape routes.
The sustained pressure mounted by the security teams paid off on April 28, when the five students were successfully rescued from their captors.
“The victims were immediately evacuated, debriefed, and taken for medical attention due to the conditions they endured while in captivity,” Babaseyi stated.
According to the police, the kidnappers engaged operatives in a gun duel during the rescue effort but were overwhelmed by superior firepower, forcing them to flee with suspected gunshot wounds. No casualties were recorded among security personnel.
Commending the operatives, Ojajuni said, “The gallantry, professionalism, and swift coordination displayed by our tactical units were instrumental to the success of this operation. The intelligence-led approach adopted was decisive.”
He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, noting that security teams have intensified bush-combing operations in the area.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation.
“Public cooperation remains vital in sustaining the fight against crime. We encourage residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines and report any unusual movements,” the Commissioner added.
