President Tinubu confirms rescue of 15 NYSC members, six others abducted in Kogi

President Tinubu has confirmed the rescue of the 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted last week in Kogi State.

Tinubu disclosed this in a statement he personally signed, on Monday, August 31, also confirmed the rescue of 11 other victims abducted in the same state. 

The President stated that the victims were rescued on Monday following a coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation involving the military, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.

The 21 abductees comprise eight males and 13 females and were rescued from the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

The President said the rescued corps members and other victims were receiving medical attention before they would be reunited with their families.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He described the rescue operation as well-coordinated and commended the personnel involved for successfully securing the release of all 21 victims.

“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,” he said.

Despite the rescue, President Tinubu said security forces had continued to pursue the k!dnappers, directing the agencies to maintain pressure on criminal elements responsible for the abduction.

“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.”he said

Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where Nigerians can travel across the country without fear.

“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” he said.

The President commended the security personnel who participated in the operation and expressed appreciation to the families and loved ones of the victims for their patience during 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.

President Tinubu also reassured the families of NYSC members that his administration would continue to prioritise the safety of corps members and other Nigerians.

“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,” he added