President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and six other victims who were abducted last week in Kogi State.
The President announced the development in a statement personally signed on Monday, August 31, 2026, confirming that all 21 abductees were rescued following a coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation.
According to the President, the operation involved personnel of the Nigerian military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
President Tinubu said the rescued NYSC members and the other victims were receiving medical attention and would subsequently be reunited with their families.
“I am delighted to receive the news that the fifteen members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other innocent and law-abiding Nigerians abducted last week in Kogi State by some criminal elements have regained their freedom,” the President said.
He described the rescue as a well-coordinated operation and commended the combined security team for successfully securing the freedom of all 21 victims.
The President, however, said security forces remained on the trail of the kidnappers and directed relevant agencies to sustain pressure on criminal elements responsible for the abduction.
“While the abductees have been safely rescued, our gallant security forces are still on the trail of the routed kidnappers, in line with my directive to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements. Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” Tinubu stated.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and ensuring that Nigerians can travel freely across the country without fear.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the military, police, DSS personnel and local vigilantes involved in the rescue operation, while expressing appreciation to the families and loved ones of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal.
He further reassured parents and families of NYSC members that his administration would continue to prioritise the safety and security of corps members and other Nigerians.
“As I share in the relief and joy of the parents and loved ones of the rescued individuals, I want to once again assure parents and loved ones of our dedicated corps members that my administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of their lives and property, as well as those of other Nigerians,” the President added.
