President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and six other Nigerians abducted by suspected criminals in Kogi State.
The 21 victims were rescued on Monday afternoon following a coordinated Search and Rescue operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes, the President said.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Monday, saying the abductees, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from a kidnappers’ hideout in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
“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 President said.
He said the rescue operation was conducted by a combined team drawn from the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes.
According to him, the security team successfully rescued all 21 victims and brought them to safety.
Tinubu added that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
He, however, warned that the operation would continue as security forces remained on the trail of the fleeing kidnappers.
“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,” he said.
The President vowed that those responsible for the abduction would face prosecution, including individuals who aided or facilitated the crime.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a secure environment that would allow Nigerians to travel freely across the country without fear.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” he said.
He also commended the security personnel who participated in the rescue operation and expressed appreciation to the victims’ families for their patience and understanding during the ordeal.
“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,” he said.
