Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In a moving account that underscores the relentless bravery of Nigeria's security forces, another victim rescued alongside the 15 National Youth Service Corps members and five other civilians from the Egume-Ochaja forest in Kogi State has shared her own harrowing story of survival. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, narrated how she was captured after fleeing into the bush when gunmen attacked her vehicle on the highway, an ordeal that ended with her rescue by the Nigerian Army on Monday, August 31, 2026.
"I was coming from Abuja to Abakaliki when we were attacked on the highway. I ran into the bush, where they captured me and took us deeper into the bush," the victim recounted in a video that has since gone viral. Her testimony adds a personal dimension to the successful joint operation that saw troops from the 12 Brigade, alongside the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, local hunters, and vigilantes, rescue a total of 21 victims—eight males and 13 females—from the forest in Ofu Local Government Area.
The victim’s escape attempt highlights the sheer terror of the moment. Her capture and subsequent rescue serve as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the intelligence-led operation. Overcome with gratitude, she praised the security forces for their intervention. "But today, I thank God for the Nigerian Army and everyone else who came to rescue us. I pray every morning for the Nigerian security forces. Today, I am a practical example of their efforts," she said.
Her words echo the sentiments of other rescued victims, such as corps member David Ayodele, who recounted the kidnappers' chilling threats to keep them in captivity for a month before killing them. Ayodele described how the abductors subjected the victims to flogging and kicking as they were forced deeper into the forest. The successful rescue operation followed reports of the mass abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis. The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the victims were rescued from the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch.
The rescued victims are currently in the custody of the troops, pending their handover to the appropriate authorities. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops and other security agencies for their courage and commitment. The rescue of the 21 victims, including the 15 NYSC members, stands as a significant victory against the criminal elements terrorising the region and a testament to the bravery and professionalism of the Nigerian security forces. As the victim poignantly stated, she is now a living testament to their unwavering efforts.
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