Security agencies have rescued 10 members of the National Youth Service Corps who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.
The victims were rescued from the Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area during a coordinated operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services and other security and auxiliary forces.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the rescue on Monday, saying the operation was still ongoing as security personnel continued efforts to locate other victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The rescued corps members were among 15 NYSC members reportedly kidnapped last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers were said to have contacted some of the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of N20 million for each corps member.
The security operation was described by the Kogi State Police Command as coordinated, sustained and intelligence-driven, with the primary objective of securing the safe release of the victims and dismantling criminal groups operating in the area.
Police authorities said security personnel had intensified their presence around the affected forests while simultaneously pursuing the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State commended personnel from the various security agencies for what he described as their professionalism and resilience during the operation.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of residents in the affected communities, particularly those who provided information that assisted the security agencies.
Authorities urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, while encouraging residents to report suspicious movements or information that could help locate the remaining victims and identify the kidnappers.
The rescue comes amid growing security concerns along major routes in Kogi, where several kidnapping incidents have been reported in recent weeks.
President Bola Tinubu has also welcomed the rescue operation. In a separate statement, the Presidency said 21 abducted persons, comprising 15 NYSC members and six other Nigerians, had been rescued in the state.
Security agencies are expected to continue operations in the area until all outstanding victims are accounted for and those behind the abductions are brought to justice.
