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President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief following 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’ den in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the state following a coordinated Search and Rescue operation by security agencies and local vigilantes.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, describing the victims as innocent and law-abiding Nigerians.
“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 victims comprised eight males and 13 females.
He said the operation involved personnel from the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
“The well-coordinated Search and Rescue 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 being reunited with their families.
He, however, warned that the operation against the kidnappers was not over, saying security forces were still pursuing the fleeing suspects.
“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,” he said.
The President vowed that those behind the abduction would face the law and that security agencies would pursue anyone who aided the crime.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” Tinubu said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment 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.
Tinubu commended the security personnel involved in the rescue operation and thanked the families of the victims for their patience and understanding during the ordeal.
“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.
The President also assured parents and relatives of NYSC members that his administration remained committed to protecting their lives and property.
“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.
He concluded by commending the country’s security and intelligence personnel for their efforts.
“God bless the men and women of our Security and Intelligence agencies. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu added.
