Security operatives in Kogi State have rescued a group of students who were abducted while travelling to sit for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo reaffirming his administration’s policy against the payment of ransom to kidnappers.

The successful rescue comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of students and commuters on Nigeria’s highways, where kidnapping for ransom has remained a persistent security challenge despite ongoing counter-crime operations.

According to the Kogi State Government, the candidates were rescued through coordinated efforts involving security agencies following intelligence-led operations.

Authorities said the students were safely recovered without the payment of ransom, underscoring the state’s commitment to confronting criminal groups through lawful security measures.

Reacting to the development, Governor Ododo commended the security personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration among the state’s security agencies.

The governor reiterated that his administration would not negotiate with or pay ransom to criminal groups, insisting that doing so would only embolden kidnappers and fuel further insecurity.

He assured residents that the government would continue investing in intelligence gathering, logistics and inter-agency cooperation to combat kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the state.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the security risks facing students across parts of Nigeria, particularly those travelling long distances to participate in national examinations.

In recent years, attacks on schools and the abduction of students have prompted federal and state governments to strengthen security around educational institutions.

While the frequency of large-scale school kidnappings has declined in some areas, isolated incidents continue to raise concerns among parents, educators and education stakeholders.

Security experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of securing major transport routes, improving intelligence sharing and strengthening community policing to protect vulnerable groups, including students.

The rescue is expected to bring relief to the affected families and the educational authorities overseeing the ongoing NECO examinations.

Although officials have not disclosed the identities of the rescued candidates for security and privacy reasons, the state government expressed optimism that appropriate arrangements would be made to ensure the students are not unfairly disadvantaged in the examination process.

Authorities have also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing future attacks.

The Kogi State Government maintained that efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks would continue, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting educational activities and restoring public confidence in the state’s security architecture.

The rescue highlights both the persistent threat of kidnapping in parts of Nigeria and the importance of coordinated security operations.

It also renews debate over the effectiveness of no-ransom policies, with supporters arguing they discourage criminal enterprises, while critics contend that governments must also strengthen preventive security measures to reduce the risk of abductions.