Kogi governor praises rescue of 15 NYSC members and six others

Twenty-one kidnapped people, including 15 members of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps, have been rescued in Kogi State after a coordinated operation in forest areas near the Alloma, Ejule and Itobe road axis.

The victims, eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday, August 31, 2026, in Dekina Local Government Area. Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade worked with the police, the Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups.

Security teams began searching the Egume and Ochaja forests after receiving reports that road users had been abducted. One rescued male victim had a gunshot wound and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.

Kogi Governor Usman Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for equipping security forces and praised the commanders and personnel involved. He also credited the National Security Adviser, the heads of the armed forces, police, intelligence and civil defence services, and local security operatives for their response.

Ododo said his administration would continue working with security agencies and local security structures to protect residents. He urged people in Kogi to remain vigilant and share credible, timely information as authorities confront kidnapping and other crimes.

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Criminals will always regret setting foot in Kogi State. We will never wag our tails before cowards who take arms against the state. Kogi is always ready to obliterate any threat to lives and property in the state.