Blessing Bello, Reporting
SECURITY forces have successfully rescued 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and six other hostages who were abducted by gunmen in Egume Forest, located in Kogi State’s Ofu Local Government Area.
The operation, described as “intelligence-driven and sustained,” involved a coordinated effort between the police, military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and auxiliary security forces.
The joint team’s primary objectives were securing the safe recovery of victims, dismantling criminal networks in the region, and ensuring the perpetrators face justice.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed the rescue operation was executed in Egume Forest.
However, he emphasised that efforts remain ongoing, with security personnel intensifying their search for any remaining victims and hunting down the kidnappers responsible for the attack.
General Onoja appealed to residents and travellers in the affected communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information that could assist security forces in their continued operation.
In a show of high-level commitment, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered security forces to maintain their offensive against kidnappers operating in the state.
This directive follows the rescue of the corps members, who were travelling to Abuja from Bayelsa when they were taken.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State praised the personnel involved in the operation, describing their efforts as “gallant, professional, and resilient.”
He also acknowledged the invaluable support from local communities, whose provision of timely and credible information proved critical to the operation’s success.
The police have urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, assuring residents that all available operational resources are being deployed to secure the safe recovery of any remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The abduction occurred last Wednesday at approximately 4:40 pm along the Aloma-Egane Expressway, near Ogene Zaria. According to the Kogi State Police Command, armed men emerged from the bush and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions. While some passengers managed to escape into the surrounding bush, others were taken captive.
The police confirmed last Friday that 11 people, including an unspecified number of corps members, had been rescued. This latest update brings the total number of rescued victims to 21.
Further updates are expected as operational circumstances permit.
Stay informed with Stonix News for continuing coverage of this developing story.
