Ten National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted and held in the Egume Forest area of Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued in a joint operation by security forces, the Kogi State Police Command announced.
The rescue was carried out by a combined team drawn from the Police, the Military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other auxiliary forces, following what the Command described as a coordinated, sustained, and intelligence-driven operation.
This was made known in a statement issued by ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Police Command, on Monday.
According to the statement, the operation forms part of a broader effort to secure the safe recovery of all victims, dismantle criminal networks operating in the forest, and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Command confirmed that the operation is still active, with security forces working to locate and recover any remaining captives while simultaneously pursuing those responsible for the abduction. It said personnel have intensified their presence in the area as the search continues.
The Commissioner of Police for the Kogi State Command praised the personnel involved in the operation, citing their gallantry, professionalism, and resilience. He also acknowledged the role played by members of the public, particularly residents of communities near the forest, whose information he said had been instrumental to the rescue effort.
The Command urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity or information that could assist ongoing efforts. It assured the public that all available operational resources are being deployed to recover the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Further updates are expected as the operation progresses.
