Security forces rescue 21 kidnap victims, including 15 NYSC members, in Kogi [VIDEO]

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilantes, have rescued 21 victims abducted along a major highway in Kogi State.

The victims were rescued on Monday, August 31, from the Egume and Ochaja forests in Dekina Local Government Area following reports of a mass kidnapping along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road.

The rescued victims comprised eight males and 13 females. Among them were 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State when they were abducted.

One of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound during the attack and was evacuated for medical attention.

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The successful operation followed a coordinated search and rescue effort involving conventional security agencies and local security groups familiar with the terrain.

The collaboration between the military, police, DSS, hunters and vigilantes enabled the security teams to penetrate the forests where the victims were being held and secure their release.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops and other security personnel involved in the operation for their courage, coordination and commitment to rescuing the abducted persons.

The rescue comes amid continuing security concerns along major roads in parts of Kogi State, where criminal elements have targeted travellers and motorists.

Security agencies are expected to sustain operations in the affected areas to prevent renewed attacks and strengthen the safety of commuters along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe route.