JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Security operatives have rescued 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other victims following a coordinated operation against kidnappers in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, who spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, said the rescue came after an intensive search and rescue operation involving the military, police, Department of State Services, local residents and hunters.
According to him, security forces immediately activated an emergency response after receiving information about the kidnapping.
“As soon as we were alerted, we took all necessary measures to ensure they were rescued and returned to their families. An emergency meeting was called by all service commanders: Brigade Commanders, Police Commissioners and DSS Directors,” Kankarofi said.
He explained that after the meeting, security commanders developed a coordinated strategy to find the victim and the kidnapper.
“We planned a search and rescue operation, which began immediately. As the situation developed, we narrowed down the scene to a specific location and sought support from local residents and hunters who know the terrain well.”
The knowledge of the hunters and local residents about the forest area, according to the police commissioner, proved crucial as security forces closed in on the kidnappers.
Also read: FG requires national rankings for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education
The operation, which began in earnest on Sunday, finally brought the joint team to the kidnappers’ camp on Monday afternoon.
“The operation began in earnest on Sunday. Thank God, at around 16.00 yesterday, we arrived at the kidnappers’ camp. There was a serious firefight; they were finally defeated, and all the corps members were rescued.”
However, the two victims who were rescued suffered gunshot wounds during a shootout between security forces and the kidnappers.
“Unfortunately, two people suffered gunshot wounds to their right legs: one corps member and one civilian who was abducted from the second vehicle.”
Kankarofi said the corps members were traveling from Bayelsa State when they were attacked shortly after entering Kogi along the Itobe-Ajaokuta Highway.
“When they entered Kogi along the Itobe–Ajaokuta Highway at around 5pm, they were attacked and abducted into the bushes along with the occupants of another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.”
The gunfight reportedly left four suspected kidnappers dead, while several others fled the camp with gunshot wounds.
“Four kidnappers were killed in the crossfire, and several escaped with gunshot wounds. Search and rescue operations have been ongoing since yesterday to clear the area and arrest the fleeing suspects.”
The Police Commissioner said security personnel remained deployed in operational areas while efforts continued to trace the fleeing suspects.
He added that the Kogi Police Command had also coordinated with the neighboring state, Enugu State, as there was a possibility that the fleeing kidnappers were trying to escape via a route into the state.
“As I speak to you now, all our officers—military, police, DSS agents, and hunters—are still in the operational room, and we are waiting for the results.”
“This morning, I also connected with the neighboring command in Enugu State as that area leads to Enugu, and arrangements have been made to ensure their troops block that end of the area.”
The rescue operation follows the abduction of 15 NYSC members and six others who were taken to Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area.
The Director of Defense Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, earlier confirmed that the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated operation involving various security agencies.
Meanwhile, Kankarofi appealed to residents and travelers not to panic, saying this incident only happened once.
“These are just isolated cases.”
He stated that most of Kogi State remains at peace and said that security agencies continue to respond quickly whenever threats arise.
“Kogi State is generally peaceful and calm. The security forces here are very effective and respond quickly; that’s why when such a situation occurs, you should know about it.”
The police commissioner also encouraged travelers to continue using highways across the state, assuring them that security personnel were actively working to protect lives and property.
“But things are generally calm. You are free to travel through Kogi State without any worries.”
