After days of uncertainty and fear, there is finally relief: 21 people abducted by gunmen in Kogi State—including 15 NYSC corps members—have been rescued from a kidnappers’ hideout in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area.
The dramatic rescue followed a sustained, intelligence-led operation involving troops, police operatives, personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were reportedly found in the forest on Monday and are now receiving medical attention ahead of their reunion with their families.
The nightmare began on August 26, when armed men reportedly emerged from the bush around 4:40 p.m., near Ogene Zaria–Onicha-Igo Junction along the Aloma–Egane Expressway.
The attackers blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions and dragged several passengers into the bush, while others managed to escape.
Among those taken were corps members travelling from Bayelsa towards Abuja.
Following the abduction, security agencies launched an aggressive search-and-rescue operation, combing the forests and deploying intelligence to track the kidnappers and locate their captives.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed the rescue and said the operation was still underway.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered security forces to maintain the pressure on kidnappers operating in Kogi State, with efforts continuing to track down the fleeing criminals.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the rescue, praising the security forces for their courage and determination.
The President warned that the kidnappers and anyone who aided the crime would be pursued and brought to justice.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law,” Tinubu said.
Security authorities also credited residents of the affected communities for providing timely and credible information that helped drive the operation.
The police have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, stressing that the rescue operation is not over yet.
As the 21 victims begin their journey home, security forces are now turning their attention to the men who put them there—the kidnappers who remain the target of an intensified manhunt across the Kogi forests.
15 NYSC Members, Six Others Snatched by Gunmen Rescued in Kogi Forest
