The Nigerian military has confirmed the successful rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following a coordinated security operation in Kogi State.
According to military authorities, the victims were rescued during a carefully planned operation carried out by troops and other security personnel in a forest area between Egume and Ochaja in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were reportedly abducted on August 26 when armed bandits attacked commuters along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe Road, a route that has witnessed growing security concerns in recent months. Following the incident, security forces launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission aimed at locating the victims and dismantling the kidnappers’ hideout.
Military sources disclosed that the operation led to the safe recovery of all 21 victims, including 15 corps members who were serving under the NYSC scheme. One of the rescued victims, an NYSC member, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the ordeal and was immediately evacuated for medical treatment after being freed.
A military spokesperson described the rescue as a testament to the commitment of the Armed Forces to protecting citizens and combating criminal activities across the country.
“The operation was conducted with professionalism and determination. Our troops will continue to pursue criminal elements and ensure that kidnapped victims are rescued safely,” the spokesperson said.
The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents, community leaders, and families of the victims, many of whom had spent days anxiously awaiting positive news about their loved ones.
Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, with criminal gangs frequently targeting travelers on highways and residents in rural communities. Security agencies have intensified efforts to curb the menace through intelligence-driven operations, increased patrols, and coordinated actions across affected states.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction. Investigations into the incident are also continuing as security forces work to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention, counseling, and other necessary support as they recover from the traumatic experience.
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