How security forces rescued 15 NYSC members, six others from Kogi kidnappers – Police

The Kogi State Police Command has revealed how a coordinated operation involving security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters led to the rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and six other abducted persons from kidnappers in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, disclosed this on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.

According to him, security forces immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation after receiving information that the corps members and other passengers had been abducted.

The operation involved personnel of the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes and hunters.

Kankarofi said the involvement of local hunters and vigilantes was particularly important because of their familiarity with the forest terrain.

“As soon as we were alerted, we put all necessary measures in place to ensure they were rescued and returned to their families. An emergency meeting was convened by all the service commanders: the Brigade Commander, the Commissioner of Police, and the Director of DSS,” he said.

He explained that the security commanders subsequently designed a search-and-rescue operation which commenced immediately, with the operation intensified after the location of the kidnappers was narrowed down.

“We fashioned out a search-and-rescue operation, which commenced immediately. As the situation unfolded, we narrowed down to a particular spot and sought the support of local vigilantes and hunters who know the terrain very well,” he said.

The commissioner said the operation eventually led security forces to the kidnappers’ camp around 4 p.m. on Monday, where a fierce gun battle ensued.

“To God be the glory, around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, we arrived at the camp of the kidnappers. There was a serious gun battle; they were eventually overpowered, and all the corps members were rescued,” Kankarofi said.

He disclosed that two of the rescued victims sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

“Unfortunately, two people suffered gunshot injuries to their right legs: one corps member and one civilian who was abducted from the second vehicle,” he said.

The police commissioner said the corps members were travelling from Bayelsa State when they were attacked after entering Kogi along the Itobe-Ajaokuta Highway.

“When they entered Kogi along the Itobe–Ajaokuta Highway around 5:00 p.m., they were attacked and abducted into the bush alongside passengers from another vehicle coming from the opposite direction,” he said.

Kankarofi added that four suspected kidnappers were killed during the gun battle, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Four of the kidnappers were killed during the exchange of fire, and several escaped with bullet wounds. A search-and-rescue operation has been going on since yesterday to mop up the area and arrest the fleeing suspects,” he said.

He said security forces remained in the area to track the fleeing suspects, while the Kogi State Police Command had contacted its counterpart in neighbouring Enugu State to block possible escape routes.

“As I am talking to you now, all our officers—military, police, DSS operatives, and hunters—are still at the operational theatre, and we are awaiting outcomes,” he said.

The commissioner added that arrangements had also been made with security authorities in Enugu to prevent the fleeing suspects from escaping through the neighbouring state.

The rescue followed the abduction of the 15 corps members and six other persons in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, had earlier confirmed that the victims were rescued in a coordinated operation involving various security agencies.

Meanwhile, Kankarofi urged residents and travellers to remain calm, describing the incident as an isolated case.

“These are just isolated cases,” he said.

He maintained that Kogi State remained generally peaceful and that security agencies were responding promptly to threats across the state.

“Kogi State has been generally peaceful and calm. The security forces here are very effective and respond promptly; that’s why when such situations happen, you get to know about them,” he said.

The commissioner also encouraged motorists and other travellers to continue using roads in the state, assuring them of adequate security presence.

“But generally, the state is calm. You can feel free to travel through Kogi State with nothing to worry about,” Kankarofi added.

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