- Safiu Kehinde
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of the five kidnapped students of Gateway Polytechnic days after their abduction.
The students were reportedly abducted by gunmen on Monday night at Sapade area of the state.
Their vehicle was attacked along the road by the gunmen who ushered them into the nearby bush with the vehicle abandoned by the roadside.
Confirming the development as well as the rescue of the students in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the police disclosed swiftly mobilising its officials, as directed by its Commissioner, Bode Ojajuni, for the rescue mission following a distress call received over the incident.
“The incident occurred on 27th April 2026 at about 2255hrs, when Ipara division received a distress report of a suspected kidnapping.
“Acting promptly, a patrol team was deployed to the scene where an ash-coloured Toyota vehicle was discovered abandoned.
“The vehicle was observed with visible bullet impacts and blood stains, while mobile phones and other personal belongings were recovered from within.
“Further examination of the scene revealed an identity card belonging to a student of Gateway Polytechnic, Sapade, confirming that the occupants of the vehicle were students.
“This development necessitated the immediate escalation of the incident and activation of a full-scale rescue operation.
“In line with standard operational procedures, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, promptly ordered the deployment of tactical units and directed an intelligence-led rescue operation to safely locate and rescue the victims.” The statement partly read.
Acting on this directive, operatives of Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Quick Response Squad (QRS), and OP MESA were swiftly conducted coordinated bush combing and tracking operations along suspected escape routes.
The sustained operational pressure, according to the Babaseyi, led to the successful rescue of the five victims from the custody of the abductors on Tuesday.
The students were immediately evacuated, debriefed, and taken for medical attention due to conditions sustained while in captivity.
Meanwhile, during the rescue operation, the kidnappers engaged operatives in a gun duel but were overwhelmed by superior firepower and tactical response, forcing them to flee with suspected gunshot wounds.
The police confirmed that no casualty was recorded among security operatives.
Reacting to the rescue of the students, Ojajuni commended the gallantry, professionalism, and swift coordination of all tactical units involved.
The Police Commissioner noted that the intelligence-driven response was decisive to the success of the operation.
He further assured that bush combing operations remain ongoing to track, apprehend and bring the fleeing suspects to justice.