Joint security forces have rescued 10 members of the National Youth Service Corps who were abducted last week in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, carried out by the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other auxiliary agencies, was described by the Kogi State Police Command as intelligence-driven and targeted at securing the victims’ safe release and dismantling criminal networks in the area.
According to the Command, the rescue followed sustained operations in Egume Forest. The effort to locate and free the remaining abducted persons is still ongoing, with security teams intensifying search and manhunt operations.
The Commissioner of Police commended the personnel for what he called “gallant, professional and resilient” conduct during the mission. He also thanked residents of the affected communities for providing timely information, which he said was critical to the success of the rescue.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movement or information that could assist the ongoing operation,” the Command said in a statement.
The police added that all available operational resources have been deployed to ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims and to apprehend those responsible. Further updates will be provided as the operation progresses.
The Kogi Police Command said the attack occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria–Onicha-Igo Junction.
Armed men emerged from the bush and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions along the Aloma–Egane Expressway. Some passengers were abducted, while others escaped into the surrounding bush.
In an earlier statement last Friday, the police said 11 people, including an unspecified number of corps members serving under the NYSC, had been rescued from the same axis.
The latest rescue brings to 10 the number of corps members confirmed freed by security forces so far.
