Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed that those responsible for the abduction of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and six other Nigerians in Kogi State will face the full weight of the law, even as he confirmed the safe rescue of all 21 victims from a kidnappers' den in the Egume-Ochaja forest stretch of Ofu Local Government Area. The President, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, August 31, 2026, expressed relief over the rescue but made it clear that the operation against the abductors was far from over.
"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," Tinubu said. "Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime".
The 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued in a well-coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation involving the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes. Fifteen of the rescued victims were NYSC members who were abducted last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
The abduction occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria–Onicha-Igo Junction, when armed men emerged from the bush and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a staggering N20 million ransom for each corps member before the security forces intervened.
Tinubu commended the combined search-and-rescue team for their courage and professionalism, and reassured families of corps members that his administration remained committed to their safety. "My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear," he said. He also appreciated the families of the victims for their patience and understanding during the ordeal.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed the rescue in a briefing on military operations across the country in August, with Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, stating that the victims were recovered within the Egume-Ochaja forest stretch in the 2 Division area of operation. The DHQ also assured residents of Borgu and other communities in Niger State that intensified military operations would be sustained until abducted residents were rescued and terrorist threats in the area substantially degraded.
The rescue of the 21 victims is a significant victory against the criminal elements terrorising the region, but Tinubu's directive to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements signals that the government is determined to dismantle the networks that enable such abductions. As the President himself declared, the operation is not over until every kidnapper and their collaborators are brought to justice.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments