By Peace Udugba
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have successfully rescued five students of Gateway Polytechnic, Sapade, who were abducted by armed criminals in the Sapade area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred late on April 27, 2026, at about 10:55 p.m., when the Ipara Division received a distress call reporting a suspected kidnapping.
Responding swiftly, a patrol team was dispatched to the scene, where officers discovered an abandoned ash-coloured Toyota vehicle riddled with bullet holes and stained with blood. Several mobile phones and personal belongings were also recovered from the vehicle.
Further inspection led to the discovery of a student identity card belonging to Gateway Polytechnic, confirming that the victims were students of the institution. This prompted an immediate escalation of the situation and the launch of a full-scale rescue operation.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, ordered the deployment of tactical units and directed an intelligence-driven operation to secure the safe release of the victims.
In response, operatives from the Isara Area Command, Ipara Division, SWAT, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Quick Response Squad (QRS), and OP MESA were mobilised.
The teams carried out coordinated bush-combing and tracking operations across suspected escape routes.
The sustained pressure from security operatives paid off, leading to the successful rescue of the five victims on April 28, 2026. The students were immediately evacuated, debriefed, and taken for medical treatment due to the conditions they endured in captivity.
During the operation, the kidnappers engaged the police in a gun duel but were overpowered by superior firepower, forcing them to flee with suspected gunshot injuries. No casualties were recorded among the security personnel.
Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police praised their gallantry, professionalism, and swift coordination, noting that the intelligence-led approach was key to the mission’s success.
He also assured that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
