Ten members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) abducted by suspected kidnappers have been rescued from Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Kogi State Police Command disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the rescue was achieved through a coordinated, intelligence-led operation focused on securing the safe release of the abducted corps members.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, said the operation was also targeting criminal groups operating in the area, with efforts underway to apprehend those behind the abduction.
According to her, the operation remains ongoing as security personnel continue efforts to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the suspects. She added that the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended the police, military, DSS and other supporting security forces for their bravery and dedication during the operation.
ASP Saliu also praised residents of the affected communities for their cooperation and for providing credible information that assisted the security operation.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movement or information that could help us rescue the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators,” she said.
She assured residents that security agencies were deploying available resources to secure the release of the remaining victims and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
The rescued corps members were among 15 NYSC members kidnapped last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.
The abductors were reportedly demanding N20 million in ransom from the families of some of the victims.
