The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended the security agencies involved in the rescue of 15 corps members abducted in Kogi State while travelling from the NYSC orientation camp in Bayelsa State to Abuja.
The corps members, who had completed their orientation programme, were abducted on August 26 along the Ofu–Itobe–Onicha-Igo axis in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Their rescue was confirmed on Monday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who said a joint operation involving the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes recovered 21 abducted persons from a kidnappers’ den in the forests of Ofu LGA. The rescued group comprised 15 NYSC members and six other Nigerians.
In a statement, NYSC Management expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, DSS, Kogi State vigilante groups and other personnel who participated in the search and rescue operation.
The Scheme described the operation as a demonstration of “professionalism, courage, commitment, and coordination” by the security agencies involved.
It also acknowledged the support of President Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Youth Development during the rescue efforts.
NYSC said it was particularly relieved by the safe recovery of the corps members, who are now in high spirits and preparing to resume at their respective places of primary assignment.
“The Scheme remains committed to supporting them as they recover from this traumatic experience,” the statement said.
The NYSC also commended the families of the affected corps members for their patience and cooperation throughout the period of uncertainty, as well as the media for reporting the incident without compromising the safety of those held in captivity.
The Scheme said the incident had provided lessons that would inform a review of its existing safety protocols.
“Lessons have been learned, and protocols will be reviewed to forestall future occurrences,” NYSC said.
The latest abduction occurred after the corps members left the Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following the completion of their orientation programme. They were travelling towards Abuja when gunmen intercepted vehicles carrying the passengers in Kogi.
A rescued corps member, David Ayodele, has since recounted how the abductors allegedly forced the victims into the forest, flogged and kicked them and threatened to keep them in captivity for a month before killing them.
The rescue brings an end to days of uncertainty for the affected families, after Kogi police had initially reported that 11 victims had been rescued while the search for others continued.
NYSC Management reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of corps members nationwide and said it would continue to work with government and security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at protecting corps members during their service year.
