10 abducted NYSC members rescued from Kogi forest

Ten members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were kidnapped while travelling to Bayelsa State have regained their freedom in Kogi State.

The corps members were among 15 NYSC members abducted last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa. The victims were held in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area.

The Kogi State Police Command said security forces secured the release of the 10 victims through a coordinated operation based on intelligence.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday.

She said the operation targeted the safe recovery of the abducted corps members as well as the criminal groups responsible for the attack.

According to Saliu, security operatives are still working to locate and rescue the remaining victims while pursuing those behind the abduction.

She said the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended personnel from the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security forces involved in the operation.

The police spokesperson also acknowledged the support of residents in communities around the affected area, particularly the information they provided to security agencies.

“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 would continue using available resources to secure the release of the remaining victims and ensure that those responsible face justice.

The abduction had reportedly led to ransom demands of N20 million from the families of some of the victims.