Governor. Ododo Mobilises Massive Security Operation To Rescue Abducted School Principal, NECO Official, Students

Lokoja, July 15, 2026 – The Kogi State Government has launched a massive 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, directed by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), with the participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state.

The abducted victims are Elder Daniel Iyanaa, Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa; Mr. Solomon Audu, a NECO official; Miss Dorcas Sunday, a NECO candidate; and another female NECO candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname had yet to be confirmed.

According to the Kogi State Government, five persons were initially kidnapped during the incident. One of the victims has since been rescued, while security agencies have intensified efforts to ensure the safe return of the remaining four.

The government disclosed that personnel of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja; the 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba; the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Kogi State Vigilante Service; local hunters; and other security outfits have been deployed to the area. It added that advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, with encouraging progress already being recorded.

Preliminary investigations, the government said, indicated that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was allegedly being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates. It noted that the two female candidates involved were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and that the examination arrangements did not conform with the security framework established by the state government for the ongoing NECO examinations.

The government, however, maintained that the findings would not in any way diminish its responsibility to protect every resident and every Nigerian within Kogi State.

It reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe rescue of the victims and ensuring that those responsible for the abduction are arrested and brought to justice.

To avoid compromising the ongoing security operation, the government said it would not disclose further operational details at this time.

It also appealed to residents of Olowa and neighbouring communities to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information and complying with all security directives.

The state government reiterated its resolve to continue working with security agencies until the abducted victims are safely reunited with their families.