Police Rescue 10 Abducted NYSC Members In Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has announced the rescue of 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted in the state.

The command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Saliu Oyiza Afusat.

The corps members were among those attacked last Wednesday along the Aloma-Egane expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

They were reportedly travelling back from the NYSC orientation camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State when gunmen intercepted them.

The police had earlier reported the rescue of 11 abducted people, including the drivers of two buses used by the victims.

The command noted that “most” of the rescued victims were identified as NYSC members.

Although the exact number of people kidnapped during the attack was not immediately known, the latest operation has brought the number of rescued corps members to 10.

In a statement, the police said the latest rescue was carried out by a joint team involving the police, military and Department of State Services (DSS).

“The rescue operation was achieved through a coordinated, sustained, and intelligence-driven operation by the joint security forces, as part of concerted efforts to secure the safe recovery of the victims, dismantle the criminal elements operating in the area, and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement reads.

“The command wishes to emphasise that the operation is still ongoing, with the potential to rescue all the kidnapped victims.

“Security forces have intensified operations within the area and are making concerted efforts to locate and safely recover the remaining victims, while simultaneously pursuing the perpetrators responsible for the attack.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, commends the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience of the personnel of the Police, Military, DSS, and other supporting security and auxiliary forces involved in the operation.

“He also appreciates the cooperation and support of members of the public, particularly residents of the affected communities, whose timely and credible information remains critical to the success of the ongoing operation.”

The police urged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious movements or activities to the authorities.

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