Military Rescues 21 Kidnap Victims, Including 15 NYSC Members, in Kogi Forest

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigerian military has rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, from the Egume-Ochaja forest stretch in Kogi State, following a coordinated operation by troops and other security agencies. The victims, who were among those abducted while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State, comprised eight males and 13 females.

This was disclosed during a press briefing by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where he briefed Defence Correspondents on ongoing Armed Forces of Nigeria operations against terrorists and criminal elements across the country.

Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, was pleased with the successful rescue operation, adding that the victims were recovered from the Egume and Ochaja forest areas in Kogi State.

The rescue followed a joint operation involving troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups. The Army said the operation was launched following credible intelligence on the abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis.

According to the Army, troops mobilised from the Headquarters of 21 Battalion and conducted a coordinated search of adjoining forests with the other security personnel and local groups. The operation resulted in the rescue of all 21 victims.

One of the rescued male victims sustained a gunshot wound during the operation and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment. The rescued victims are currently in military custody pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.

The NYSC members were among 15 corps members abducted last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State. The kidnappers were reportedly demanding N20 million in ransom from the families of some of the victims.

The development came as the Defence Headquarters announced major operational gains recorded by the Armed Forces in August, including the neutralisation of more than 324 terrorists and criminals, the arrest of 373 suspects and the rescue of 610 kidnap victims nationwide.

Onoja added that 201 insurgents surrendered to troops during the month, while security forces recovered 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition.

He said the military also recovered 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites as part of operations against crude oil theft and economic sabotage.

The Director said the August operational figures reflected significant progress in the military’s efforts to degrade the capabilities of terrorists and criminal networks across the country.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and to provide security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations and the apprehension of perpetrators.

The Chief of Defence Staff commended troops across the various theatres of operation for their gallantry, discipline and resilience, while also appreciating the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, local security groups, traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public for their support and cooperation.

Oluyede also sympathised with families who lost loved ones during the period and wished injured personnel and other victims a speedy recovery, while reaffirming the military’s commitment to securing the country and creating an environment conducive to socio-economic stability and peace.