By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Twenty-one Nigerians abducted by criminal elements in Kogi State last week have regained their freedom following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu disclosed the development in a statement, saying the rescued victims comprised 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and six other Nigerians.
The victims, made up of eight male and 13 female, were rescued from the den of kidnappers in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Monday afternoon.
Tinubu said the operation was carried out by a combined team of personnel from the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.
The President said the rescued corps members and other victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
“The well-coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation carried out by a combined team of personnel of the military, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and local vigilantes safely rescued all twenty-one abductees,” Tinubu said.
The successful operation comes amid continuing concerns over the safety of Nigerians travelling and working in parts of the country affected by kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
While confirming the rescue, Tinubu said security forces had not ended their operations, stressing that the kidnappers responsible for the abduction remained targets of ongoing efforts to bring them to justice.
“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,” he said.
The President warned that those responsible for the abduction would face prosecution and said security agencies would also pursue individuals who assisted the perpetrators.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” Tinubu stated.
The President commended the members of the combined search-and-rescue team for their courage and commitment to securing the victims’ release.
He also acknowledged the anxiety experienced by families of the abducted Nigerians during the period of their captivity and thanked them for their patience and understanding.
Tinubu particularly reassured parents and relatives of NYSC members that his administration remained committed to protecting corps members serving across the country.
“My Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of their lives and property, as well as those of other Nigerians,” he said.
The President said the rescue underscored his administration’s commitment to creating conditions under which Nigerians could travel across the country without fear.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” he said.
Tinubu praised Nigeria’s security and intelligence personnel for their service and expressing solidarity with the families of the rescued victims.
“I share in the relief and joy of the parents and loved ones of the rescued individuals,” the President said.
