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, in a statement on Monday, said 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 aimed at dismantling criminal groups operating in the area and arresting those responsible for the abduction.
She said the operation was still ongoing, with security forces working to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the suspects. She further stated that the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended the police, military, DSS and other supporting forces for their courage and commitment during the operation.
According to ASP Saliu, the command appreciated the cooperation of residents in the affected communities and the credible information they have provided.
“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 further assured residents that security agencies were using available resources to secure the release of the remaining victims and bring those responsible to justice.
The victims were among 15 corps members kidnapped last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.
The kidnappers were reportedly demanding N20 million from the families of some of the victims as ransom.