By Mike Onoja
ABUJA, Nigeria — Joint security forces have rescued 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by gunmen in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, even as six additional corps members were reportedly taken away during the same attack, according to security authorities.
The operation—described as intelligence-led and coordinated across multiple security agencies—began after gunmen ambushed travellers moving along the route associated with the Aloma–Egane Expressway, triggering a mass abduction in the area. Officials say the rescue is ongoing, with efforts intensifying to recover the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Joint Operations Yield 15 Corps Members’ Rescue
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed that the corps members were recovered from Egume Forest in Ofu LGA following a joint offensive.
He said the operation involved coordinated efforts by police, military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other auxiliary security units, aimed at:
- securing the victims’ safe recovery,
- dismantling armed criminal elements operating in the forest area, and
- bringing the abductors to justice.
Operation Still Ongoing as Security Forces Hunt Remaining Victims
General Onoja stated that the offensive is not yet complete, adding that security agencies are intensifying search efforts to locate and rescue the remaining abductees.
He also appealed to communities and travellers in affected areas to support the operation by reporting:
- suspicious movements,
- information that could aid the search, and
- any credible leads that may help track the kidnappers.
Defence Chief Orders Continued Offensive in Kogi
In a related development, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed security forces to sustain the offensive against kidnappers operating in Kogi State, following the rescue.
The victims were reportedly abducted while travelling from Bayelsa toward Abuja, a journey officials say has increasingly become a target for armed groups.
Police Commend Gallant Response, Cite Community Support
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police commended personnel involved in the rescue operation, describing their actions as gallant, professional, and resilient.
The police also highlighted the role of residents in improving operational outcomes, stressing that timely and credible information from communities remains essential to locating victims and tracking suspects.
Authorities reiterated calls for the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
Earlier Attack Timeline: Rescue After Aloma–Egane Expressway Ambush
The police previously reported that 11 people, including an unspecified number of corps members, were rescued after gunmen attacked vehicles along the Aloma–Egane Expressway.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the abduction occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, near Ogene Zaria, close to the Ogene Zaria–Onicha-Igo Junction.
Investigators said the armed men emerged from the bush, blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions, abducted some passengers, while others escaped into the surrounding bush.
Officials say further updates are expected as operational circumstances permit.
With 15 NYSC members rescued and security forces still hunting for additional abductees, authorities have vowed to sustain the crackdown on kidnapping networks in Kogi State. Officials insist community cooperation and actionable intelligence remain critical to ensuring the safe recovery of all victims and the arrest of those behind the attack.
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