Officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State have rescued 17 pupils abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja, as efforts intensify to free the remaining victims.
The abduction occurred around 11:45 p.m. on April 26 when gunmen stormed Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an orphanage in Zariagi along NNPC Road, Kabba Junction.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Saliu Afusat, said 26 people—24 pupils and two wives of the school proprietor—were initially taken.
Afusat noted that the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division in Lokoja quickly mobilised a joint security team, which led to the rescue of 17 victims.
“Rescue operations are ongoing by joint security operatives comprising the police, military, and other security agencies to secure the safe release of the remaining nine victims,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, has visited the scene and ordered the deployment of tactical teams for bush combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance.
Authorities reassured residents that operations are ongoing to free the remaining victims and arrest those responsible, urging the public to share useful information.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and preventable.
The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said swift intervention by security operatives led to the rescue of several victims, with efforts continuing to secure others.
He also raised concerns that the school was allegedly operating in a remote area without proper registration or notification to authorities.
Fanwo warned that unregistered schools and orphanages in isolated areas pose serious security risks, urging operators to comply with regulations.
Kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge in parts of Nigeria, with schools, religious centres, and rural communities increasingly targeted due to their vulnerability.
