President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief over the rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other Nigerians abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.
The 21 victims were rescued on Monday afternoon from a kidnappers’ hideout in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the state following a coordinated search and rescue operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes.
Tinubu, in a statement posted on X on Monday, described the rescue as a welcome development and commended the security personnel who took part in the operation.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were abducted last week while travelling through Kogi State.
“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.
He said the operation involved personnel from the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
“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.
Tinubu said the victims were receiving medical attention before they would be reunited with their families.
The President, however, warned that the rescue operation did not mean the end of the security operation against those responsible for the abduction.
He disclosed that security forces were still pursuing the fleeing kidnappers and had been directed to maintain pressure on criminal groups operating across the country.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He added that those behind the abduction would be made to face the law.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” he said.
The rescue is expected to bring relief to the families of the victims, especially parents and relatives of the NYSC members who had been left anxious since the corps members were abducted.
The NYSC deploys young Nigerian graduates to states across the country for a compulsory one-year national service. Corps members are often required to travel between states, making their safety on the nation’s highways a major concern.
Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s major security challenges, with criminal groups targeting travellers, students, workers and other members of the public.
Several forests and remote communities have also been used by kidnappers as hideouts, making rescue operations difficult for security agencies.
Kogi, located in the North-Central region, is strategically positioned between several parts of the country and serves as an important link between the northern and southern regions.
Its major roads carry large numbers of travellers and commercial vehicles daily. The state’s location has also made security along its highways an important issue for residents, travellers and security agencies.
The latest operation demonstrates the importance of cooperation among security agencies and local communities in tackling kidnapping.
The involvement of local vigilantes in the rescue effort is particularly significant because community members often have knowledge of forests, roads and other difficult-to-reach areas where criminals may operate.
Tinubu said his administration remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians could 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 also commended the families of the victims for their patience and understanding while security agencies worked to secure the release of their relatives.
“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.
Tinubu also used the opportunity to reassure parents and relatives of NYSC members that his administration would continue to prioritise their safety.
“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 President’s comments came as security agencies continue to face pressure to improve security on roads and in communities affected by kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities.
The Federal Government has repeatedly said security agencies are being supported with personnel, equipment, intelligence and other resources to confront criminal groups.
However, the continuing abductions in different parts of the country have kept security high on the national agenda.
The successful rescue in Kogi also highlights the importance of sustained search and rescue operations after an abduction.
Tinubu said the security forces would continue to pursue the suspects who escaped during the operation.
The President’s directive that those responsible, including anyone who assisted the criminals, should be pursued suggests that the authorities intend to investigate the wider network behind the abduction.
The victims’ safe recovery without further reported loss of life is a major relief for their families and the NYSC community.
For the rescued corps members, their ordeal is expected to end with medical attention and eventual reunion with their families.
Tinubu concluded his statement by commending members of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies for their efforts.
“God bless the men and women of our Security and Intelligence agencies. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
While the 21 victims are now safe, the pursuit of their abductors continues, with the government promising that security agencies will sustain operations until those responsible are brought to justice.