RismadarVoice Reporters
August 31, 2026
Security forces have rescued 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by suspected kidnappers in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were rescued during a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and auxiliary agencies.
The 10 corps members were among 15 NYSC members kidnapped last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.
The abductors were reportedly demanding a ransom of N20 million for each of the victims from their families.
However, the Kogi State Police Command said the rescue followed a coordinated, sustained and intelligence-driven operation by the security agencies.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, said the operation was launched to secure the safe recovery of the victims, dismantle criminal elements operating in the area and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.
She said the operation remained ongoing, with security agencies working to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“The operation is still ongoing, with the potential to rescue all the kidnapped victims. Security forces have intensified operations within the area while simultaneously pursuing the perpetrators,” Saliu said.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended personnel of the police, military, DSS and other supporting agencies for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience during the operation.
Kankarofi also appreciated residents of the affected communities for their cooperation and timely provision of credible information, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or information that could assist security agencies in locating the remaining victims and arresting those behind the abduction.
The police assured residents that all available operational resources were being deployed to secure the safe recovery of the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Command said further updates would be provided as soon as operational circumstances permitted.
