Security forces rescue 10 Corps members in Kogi forest

Ten members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been rescued from the Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi following a coordinated operation by security agencies.

The Kogi State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat.

According to the command, the operation involved personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other auxiliary security forces.

ALSO READ: Kogi: Security agencies, INEC strengthen security plans ahead of 2027 elections

The police said the rescue was achieved through a sustained, intelligence-driven operation aimed at securing the safe recovery of the abducted corps members and dismantling criminal elements operating in the area.

The command, however, disclosed that the operation was still ongoing as security personnel continued efforts to locate and rescue other victims who may still be in the hands of the kidnappers.

It added that the security forces were also pursuing the perpetrators responsible for the attack, with a view to bringing them to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, commended the personnel involved in the operation for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience.

He also appreciated residents of the affected communities for providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remained critical to the success of the operation.

The police urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while encouraging them to report suspicious movements or information that could assist security agencies in rescuing the remaining victims.

The command assured residents that all available operational resources were being deployed to ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims and the arrest of the perpetrators. It said further updates would be provided as operational circumstances permit.