The Nigerian Army says it is closing in on the kidnappers who abducted four people from a NECO examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Commanding Officer of the 21 Battalion, Lt. Col. Godiya Monde, said the abductors have contacted authorities, allowing troops to begin tracking their location. He added that soldiers have sealed off suspected forest escape routes to prevent the gunmen from moving the victims.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Monde expressed confidence that the victims would be rescued safely.
“They’ve made some calls so far. We are tracking them to see where they are. I’m assuring you, we’re going to rescue those children,” he said.
According to him, the abductees include two students, the school principal, and a NECO supervisor, bringing the total number of victims still in captivity to four.
Monde explained that the school was located in a remote area and was being used as a “miracle centre” for external candidates writing the Literature-in-English examination, making it difficult for troops to reach the scene quickly after receiving the distress call.
He said soldiers found examination papers scattered across the classrooms on arrival, confirming that the attack had taken place before security operatives launched a search of the surrounding forest.
The attack occurred on Tuesday while candidates were writing the ongoing NECO examination. Although six people were initially taken away, security agencies have since rescued one student, while efforts continue to free the remaining victims.
The Kogi State Government said two of the abducted candidates were external students, noting that the examination arrangement did not comply with the state’s security guidelines. However, it stressed that every victim would receive full protection and support.
Governor Usman Ododo has directed a joint rescue operation involving the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Vigilante Service, and local hunters. Authorities say the operation has intensified as troops continue tracking the kidnappers and tightening security around the forest.
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