The Kogi State Government has launched a multi-agency security operation to rescue four people abducted during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations at Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ordered the operation, which is being coordinated by the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, with the support of security and intelligence agencies across the state, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.

The abducted victims were identified as the school’s principal, Elder Daniel Iyanaa; NECO official Solomon Audu; and two female examination candidates, including Miss Dorcas Sunday. The government said five people were initially kidnapped, but one victim has since been rescued.

The operation involves personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade in Lokoja and 21 Battalion in Anyigba, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits. The government also said advanced technology is being deployed in the search, with “encouraging progress” already recorded.

According to preliminary findings, the examination center, located in a remote area, was allegedly being used as a “miracle” centre for external candidates. The government said the two abducted female candidates were not regular students of the school and that the examination arrangements did not comply with the state’s security measures for the ongoing NECO examinations.

“The victims are our people, and the government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime,” the statement said.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to securing the victims’ release and bringing the perpetrators to justice.