President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the successful rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and six other Nigerians who were abducted in Kogi State, describing the operation as a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the country’s security agencies.
The President announced that the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation involving personnel of the Nigerian military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilante groups.
According to him, the operation led to the safe rescue of all 21 abductees—comprising eight males and 13 females—from a kidnappers’ hideout in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Expressing his delight over the development, Tinubu said: “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 disclosed that the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
He added: “The well-coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation carried out by a combined team of personnel of the military, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and local vigilantes safely rescued all twenty-one abductees, made up of eight males and thirteen females, from the den of kidnappers in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State this afternoon. The corps members and other rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention before they are reunited with their families.”
Tinubu stressed that security operatives have continued to pursue the fleeing kidnappers and vowed that those responsible for the crime, as well as anyone who supported them, would be brought to justice.
He stated: “While the abductees have been safely rescued, our gallant security forces are still on the trail of the routed kidnappers, in line with my directive to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements. Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime. My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear.”
The President also praised members of the rescue team for their courage and professionalism while thanking the families of the victims for their patience throughout the ordeal.
“I wholeheartedly commend the combined SAR team for their courage and appreciate families and loved ones of the abductees for their understanding during the ordeals of their loved ones,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety, Tinubu assured parents of NYSC members and Nigerians that efforts to strengthen security across the country would remain a priority.
He said: “As I share in the relief and joy of the parents and loved ones of the rescued individuals, I want to once again, assure parents and loved ones of our dedicated corps members that my Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of their lives and property, as well as those of other Nigerians.”
The President concluded his statement by paying tribute to Nigeria’s security and intelligence personnel for their dedication to protecting the country.