Kogi Kidnapping Ends as Army-Led Operation Rescues 21 Abducted Travellers
President Bola Tinubu announced the successful rescue of 21 abductees, including 15 NYSC members, from kidnappers in Kogi State. A joint operation by military, police, DSS, and local vigilantes secured their release from a forest hideout. All victims are now receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
All 21 people abducted in Kogi State, including 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, have been rescued following a joint security operation in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area.
President Bola Tinubu announced their release on Monday, commending the Nigerian Army, police, Department of State Services (DSS), vigilantes and local hunters for coordinating the search-and-rescue mission.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were recovered from a kidnappers’ hideout along the Egume-Ochaja forest stretch. The victims were abducted last Wednesday along the Aloma-Egane Expressway, also known as the Alloma-Ejule-Itobe road axis, while the NYSC members were travelling from their orientation camp in Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their three-week programme.
During the rescue operation, one male victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was evacuated for treatment, while the remaining victims received medical attention at military facilities. Authorities are now working to reunite the rescued individuals with their families and relevant authorities.
President Tinubu directed security agencies to maintain pressure on the fleeing kidnappers and ensure that everyone involved in the abduction is brought to justice. Kogi State Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Kankarofi also praised the security personnel and residents whose information contributed to the operation.
The successful rescue provides relief to the victims and their families, but the continued use of Kogi’s forest corridors by kidnapping gangs highlights the need for sustained security operations along vulnerable highways.