The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of all 23 pupils abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic orphanage in Lokoja, bringing an end to days of anxiety following the attack by armed men.
The development was announced on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who said the final nine victims regained freedom in the early hours of the day after a coordinated security operation.
Gunmen had invaded the orphanage on April 26, abducting the children alongside the wife of the facility’s proprietor, sparking widespread concern across the state.
The government had earlier announced the rescue of 15 of the victims on April 27 during intensified security operations, leaving efforts focused on securing the remaining abductees.
Fanwo described the latest breakthrough as a major success in the fight against criminal networks operating within the state.
“This is a major breakthrough against criminal elements and a huge relief to the affected families,” he said.
He explained that the final rescue operation was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade in collaboration with other security agencies, who tracked the kidnappers to the Agbaja forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area.
“The operation resulted in the safe recovery of five boys, two girls, and two adult females,” Fanwo said.
He added that the rescued victims had been moved to a military medical facility for treatment and further observation.
“The rescued victims have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving proper medical care and attention,” he stated.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo commended the security forces for what he described as a display of professionalism, courage and coordination in securing the release of all abductees.
He also expressed relief over the safe return of the victims and praised the resilience of their families during the period of uncertainty.
“The safety and security of all residents remain the foremost priority of our administration,” Ododo said.
“This successful operation underscores our determination to ensure that criminal elements have no foothold in Kogi.”
The governor reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and other violent crimes, pledging continued investment in security infrastructure, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.