HOW 15 NYSC MEMBERS, OTHERS WERE RESCUED FROM KIDNAPPERS IN KOGI — POLICE

The Kogi State Police Command has revealed how 15 National Youth Service Corps members and six other abducted persons were rescued from kidnappers in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, said security forces launched a search-and-rescue operation immediately after receiving reports of the abduction.

The operation involved the military, police, Department of State Services, local vigilantes and hunters, with the local groups playing an important role because of their knowledge of the terrain.

According to Kankarofi, security commanders held an emergency meeting and quickly organised an operation to locate the kidnappers’ camp.

The corps members were travelling from Bayelsa when they were attacked after entering Kogi State along the Itobe–Ajaokuta Highway around 5pm. Passengers travelling in another vehicle were also abducted.

Security forces eventually located the kidnappers’ camp and engaged them in a gun battle at about 4pm on Monday.

The police commissioner said the security forces overpowered the kidnappers and successfully rescued all the corps members and other victims.

However, one corps member and one civilian sustained gunshot injuries to their right legs during the operation.

Kankarofi disclosed that four suspected kidnappers were killed, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

He said security personnel remained in the area to track the fleeing suspects and had contacted the Enugu State Police Command to block possible escape routes.

The commissioner assured residents and travellers that Kogi remained generally peaceful despite the incident, describing it as an isolated case.

He urged travellers to continue using roads across the state, assuring them that security personnel were present and responding promptly to threats.