Police Explain How 15 NYSC Members and Six Others Were Rescued From Kogi Kidnappers

Fifteen National Youth Service Corps members and six other abducted people were rescued from a kidnappers’ camp in Egume Forest, Kogi State, after security forces engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

Kogi State Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi said the victims were attacked after entering the state along the Itobe-Ajaokuta Highway. The corps members were travelling from Bayelsa, while passengers from another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction were also taken into the bush.

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As soon as we were alerted, we put all necessary measures in place to ensure they were rescued and returned to their families.

The response brought together military and police personnel, Department of State Services operatives, local vigilantes and hunters. Kankarofi said the local groups helped because they knew the terrain, allowing commanders to narrow the search to a particular location.

Police said the operation reached the kidnappers’ camp at about 4 p.m. on Monday. Two rescued people, one corps member and one civilian, suffered gunshot wounds to their right legs. Four suspected kidnappers were killed, while several others escaped with bullet wounds.

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There was a serious gun battle; they were eventually overpowered, and all the corps members were rescued.