Five students of Gateway Polytechnic abducted by armed criminals in Sapade, Ogun State, have been rescued by the Ogun State Police Command following a coordinated tactical operation, police said Wednesday. The students were freed on April 28 after security operatives launched an intelligence-led rescue mission.
Police spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi said the incident was reported late Monday after officers discovered an abandoned Toyota vehicle riddled with bullet holes and stained with blood. Mobile phones, personal belongings, and a student identity card recovered at the scene confirmed the victims were students of Gateway Polytechnic, prompting an immediate large-scale rescue response.
Following orders from Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, multiple tactical units, including SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, VCRU, QRS and OP MESA, were deployed for bush combing and tracking operations along suspected escape routes. The sustained pressure led to the successful rescue of all five victims, who were later taken for medical attention.
Police said the kidnappers engaged operatives in a gun battle during the operation but fled with suspected gunshot wounds after being overpowered by security forces. No casualty was recorded among the operatives involved in the rescue mission.
The police command commended the swift coordination of its tactical teams and said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.