President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief over the rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other Nigerians abducted by criminal elements in Kogi State.
Tinubu, in a statement on X on Monday, said the 21 abductees were rescued on Monday afternoon following 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,” the President said.
According to him, the operation was carried out by a combined team of personnel from the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the 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 disclosed that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
He, however, said the operation against the kidnappers was not over, as security forces continued to pursue 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.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime.”
The President 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,” Tinubu said.
He commended the security personnel involved in the rescue operation and appreciated the families of the victims for their patience and understanding.
“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 assured parents and relatives of NYSC members of his administration’s commitment to 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.
He concluded by commending the nation’s security and intelligence personnel.
“God bless the men and women of our Security and Intelligence agencies. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”