President Bola Tinubu has hailed the rescue of 15 NYSC members and six other Nigerians abducted by criminal elements in Kogi State, saying security forces remain on the trail of the kidnappers.
The 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday afternoon from a kidnappers’ hideout in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
Tinubu expressed relief over the development, saying the victims had regained their freedom after spending days in captivity.
“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 said.
According to him, the rescued corps members and other victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
The President, however, said the security operation was not over, as personnel continued to pursue the fleeing kidnappers.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” Tinubu said.
The rescue followed an attack in Ofu Local Government Area in which gunmen reportedly intercepted vehicles and abducted passengers, most of them NYSC members.
Security agencies subsequently launched search operations in the area, with earlier reports indicating that abandoned vehicles were recovered following the attack.
The successful rescue is expected to bring relief to families who had spent days waiting for information on the whereabouts of their loved ones.
It also puts renewed focus on the security challenges facing corps members and other travellers using major roads across the country.
Tinubu said his administration remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians could move freely without fear.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” he said.
He commended the military, police, DSS and local vigilantes involved in the operation, describing their effort as a well-coordinated search-and-rescue mission.
The President also praised the families of the abductees for their patience and understanding during the ordeal.
“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 said.
The development comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen coordination between security and intelligence agencies.
Earlier this month, Tinubu approved the preparation of a National Threat Assessment and a five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan aimed at improving coordination across Nigeria’s defence, intelligence and security architecture.
With the 21 abductees now safe, security agencies are expected to sustain the manhunt for those responsible for the attack and establish how the kidnappers operated in the area.
