By Seyi Odewale
Fifteen members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and six other abductees have regained their freedom in Kogi State following a coordinated security operation, as President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to sustain the hunt for the fleeing kidnappers.
The 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from the kidnappers’ hideout in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area after being abducted last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.
President Tinubu, who welcomed the rescue, said the victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
“I am delighted to receive the news that the fifteen members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other innocent and law-abiding Nigerians abducted last week in Kogi State by some criminal elements have regained their freedom,” the President said.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the rescue was carried out through a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is also happy to announce that a total of 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, 15 of them being National Youth Service Corps members, have just been rescued,” Onoja said.
Tinubu said security forces remained on the trail of the kidnappers and warned that those responsible for the abduction would be brought to justice.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” he said.
The President directed security agencies to sustain pressure on criminal groups, insisting that his administration remained committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerians travelling across the country.
The rescue came amid renewed concern over kidnappings and attacks on travellers, particularly following recent incidents in parts of Kogi and Niger states.
The military said it had also intensified operations in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where terrorists and other criminal elements have been linked to attacks and abductions around the Kainji Lake National Park.
Onoja said troops had continued to collaborate with other security agencies and government institutions through intelligence sharing and targeted operations.
He cited the August 5 rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park as evidence of the military’s continuing operations in the area.
“The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons… demonstrates the commitment and capability of the security forces to locate, rescue, and safely return affected citizens,” he said.
He assured residents of Borgu and neighbouring communities that troops would sustain operations against terrorists and criminal groups until the security threats were significantly degraded.
The military’s August operational report also showed that troops rescued 610 kidnapped victims, neutralised more than 332 terrorists and criminals and arrested 373 suspects across different theatres of operation.
In addition, 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Onoja attributed the operational gains to intensified military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
While the Kogi operation has brought relief to families of the rescued corps members and other victims, Tinubu’s directive to pursue the kidnappers keeps the focus on the wider challenge confronting the government — preventing abductions and ensuring that Nigerians can travel without fear.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” the President said.
