Seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Ogun State, have been rescued after being abducted from a hotel in Ipara-Remo last Wednesday at about 8 p.m. Two suspected members of the kidnapping gang were also arrested during the security operation, while efforts continue to apprehend other suspects.

Ogun State Gov. Dapo Abiodun said security agencies deployed personnel across the affected areas and surrounding forests following the abduction. The operation involved the police, armed forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters. The rescue followed a three-day ultimatum issued by the Ogun State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students.

Abiodun said he contacted Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu on Aug. 3, 2026, to request aerial surveillance, leading to the deployment of a police helicopter the same day. Five victims were rescued in the early hours of Aug. 6 and later reunited with their families, while the remaining two were recovered after security forces and the helicopter moved into the kidnappers’ hideout. One victim sustained a gunshot injury and was taken to hospital, where he was stabilised.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni said no ransom was paid for the victims’ release. He said the two arrested suspects were providing useful information to investigators as security agencies continued their search for other members of the gang. Abiodun also warned that Ogun would not become a safe haven for kidnappers and urged residents to provide credible information to security authorities.