President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed relief over the successful rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and six other Nigerians abducted by criminal elements in Kogi State.
Tinubu, in a statement posted on X on Monday, said the victims were rescued on Monday afternoon during a coordinated Search and Rescue operation by security agencies and local vigilantes.
He said the victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from a kidnappers’ den in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the 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,” he said.
He added that the operation was carried out by a combined team of personnel from the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
According to him, the coordinated operation successfully rescued all 21 abductees from the kidnappers’ hideout.
Tinubu disclosed that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
He, however, said security forces had continued to pursue the fleeing kidnappers, stressing that the rescue of the victims would not mark the end of the operation.
“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 warned that those responsible for the abduction would face the full weight of the law, adding that security agencies would pursue anyone who aided the crime.
Tinubu further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can travel across the country without fear.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” he said.
He commended the security personnel involved in the rescue operation for their courage and appreciated the families and loved ones of the victims for their patience and understanding during the ordeal.
Tinubu also assured parents and relatives of NYSC members of his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of corps members and other Nigerians.
“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 nation’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.”
