The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of ten National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Kogi State, following a coordinated operation by joint security forces.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Command said the victims were rescued from the Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area through a sustained, intelligence-driven operation involving the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and other auxiliary security outfits.
According to the statement, the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of all kidnapped victims, dismantle criminal networks operating in the area, and bring perpetrators to justice.
The Command noted that the rescue effort is still ongoing, expressing optimism that the remaining victims would be freed as security operatives intensify operations within the forest and surrounding communities.
“The joint security forces are making concerted efforts to locate and safely recover the remaining victims, while also pursuing those responsible for the attack,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in the state commended the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience of personnel involved in the operation, including officers of the Police, Military, DSS, and other supporting agencies.
He also appreciated residents of the affected communities for their cooperation, noting that timely and credible information from the public has been instrumental to the success recorded so far.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and report any suspicious movements that could aid ongoing operations.
It further assured residents that all necessary resources are being deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of those behind the incident.
Recalled that Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were kidnapped by gunmen along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State last week Wednesday.
The victims were reportedly travelling from the NYSC orientation camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State when they were ambushed by gunmen who attacked their two buses and abducted the passengers and the drivers.
