President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the rescue of 21 Nigerians, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted last week in Kogi State.
Tinubu disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Monday evening, saying the victims were rescued during a coordinated Search and Rescue operation carried out by personnel of the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
The President said the 21 abductees, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from the den of kidnappers in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Monday afternoon.
He said the rescued victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
President Tinubu said security forces had continued their pursuit of the kidnappers following the successful rescue operation, assuring that those responsible for the abduction would face the full weight of the law.
“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 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. The corps members and other rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention before they are reunited with their families.”
“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. Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime. My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear.”
The President commended the security personnel involved in the operation and appreciated the families of the abductees for their understanding during the ordeal.
Tinubu also assured parents and loved ones of NYSC members and other Nigerians that his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property across the country.
“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. 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 concluded by commending Nigeria’s security and intelligence personnel and praying for the country.
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