The Kogi state government has announced the rescue of all 23 pupils abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic orphanage in Lokoja.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communications, said the remaining nine victims were freed in the early hours of Wednesday through a coordinated security operation.
Gunmen had invaded the orphanage on April 26 and abducted the pupils along with the wife of the proprietor.
The state government had earlier confirmed the rescue of 15 victims on April 27 following intensified security efforts.
Fanwo described the latest development as “a major breakthrough against criminal elements” and a source of relief for the affected families.
He said troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, alongside other security agencies, carried out the operation in the Agbaja forest area of Lokoja LGA.
“The operation resulted in the safe recovery of five boys, two girls, and two adult females,” Fanwo said.
“The rescued victims have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving proper medical care and attention.”
Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, praised the army and other security agencies for their courage and professionalism during the operation.
He also commended the victims and their families for their resilience.
“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 reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and violent crimes, pledging continued efforts to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering, and support security agencies.
He also urged residents to remain alert and provide useful information to security operatives, assuring that efforts are ongoing to arrest those behind the abduction and bring them to justice.