Ten National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by suspected kidnappers have been rescued from Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Kogi State Police Command announced the development in a statement on Monday, saying the rescue followed a coordinated and intelligence-driven operation aimed at securing the safe release of the victims.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, said the operation was also targeted at dismantling criminal groups operating in the area and apprehending those responsible for the abduction.
She, however, disclosed that the operation remained ongoing as security agencies continued efforts to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the suspected kidnappers.
Saliu said the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended personnel of the police, military, Department of State Services and other supporting security forces for their courage and commitment during the operation.
The police spokesperson also praised residents of the affected communities for their cooperation and for providing credible information that assisted the 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.
Saliu assured residents that security agencies were deploying available resources to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.
The rescued corps members were among 15 NYSC members who were 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.
The latest rescue brings relief to the families and colleagues of the corps members, while security agencies continue their search for the remaining victims and the suspected perpetrators.
