The Ogun State Police Command has successfully rescued five students of Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted by armed criminals in a late-night attack.
According to police authorities, the incident occurred on April 27, 2026, at about 10:55 p.m., when officers at the Ipara Division received a distress call reporting a suspected kidnapping in the area.
Responding swiftly, a patrol team was deployed to the scene, where they discovered an abandoned ash-coloured Toyota vehicle riddled with bullet holes. The vehicle also contained blood stains and several personal belongings, raising immediate concerns about the safety of the occupants.
Further examination at the scene led to the recovery of an identity card belonging to one of the students, confirming that the victims were members of the polytechnic community. This discovery prompted the escalation of the situation into a full-scale rescue operation.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Oluseyi Babaseyi, explained that the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, ordered the rapid deployment of specialized tactical units to secure the victims’ release.
“In line with standard operational procedures, the Commissioner of Police promptly ordered the deployment of tactical units and directed an intelligence-led rescue operation to safely locate and rescue the victims,” Babaseyi stated.
He added that operatives drawn from several formations—including the Isara Area Command, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit, and Quick Response Squad—were mobilized to carry out coordinated bush-combing and tracking operations along suspected escape routes.
During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly engaged security operatives in a gun duel. However, the police team gained the upper hand, forcing the attackers to flee with suspected gunshot injuries.
“The sustained operational pressure led to the successful rescue of the five victims from the custody of the abductors,” the police spokesperson confirmed.
All five students were rescued on April 28 and were immediately evacuated for medical attention after enduring harsh conditions while in captivity. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were recorded among the security personnel involved in the mission.
Police have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice. The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
The successful rescue highlights the growing reliance on intelligence-driven policing and coordinated tactical responses in tackling kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of Nigeria.
