Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of all four victims abducted from an unauthorised examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area, during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, announced the development on Thursday, July 16, 2026, stating that the rescue followed a coordinated security operation ordered by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo immediately after the incident. According to the government, the operation involved the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilante groups and other security agencies.
The rescued victims have been identified as the school principal, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; a NECO official, Mr. Solomon Audu; and two female NECO candidates, Miss Dorcas Sunday and another candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas. They are said to be safe and are currently undergoing debriefing and medical checks. The government attributed the successful rescue to sustained pressure on the kidnappers, which forced them to abandon the victims and flee as security forces intensified operations in the forest.
The attack occurred at about 5:25 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, when gunmen stormed the school premises during the ongoing NECO examination. Preliminary findings indicated that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was being used as a "miracle" centre for external candidates. The two female candidates involved were not regular students of the school, and the examination arrangements did not align with the security framework put in place by the Kogi State Government to protect candidates. Despite this, the government stressed that it does not diminish its responsibility to protect every resident.
Fanwo commended the security agencies for their swift response and professionalism. He said the operation remains ongoing to ensure those responsible are arrested and brought to justice. The commissioner also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Kogi State's security efforts, noting that the President directed the heads of security agencies to give Kogi every necessary support to rescue the victims. He reaffirmed the Ododo administration's commitment to strengthening intelligence, security logistics and inter-agency collaboration to protect lives and property across the state.
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