Military Rescues 21 Kidnapped Victims Including 15 NYSC Members in Kogi

The Nigerian military has announced the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps, in Kogi State.

The military is determined to keep carrying out operations to rescue people taken in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared details of the rescue on Monday. He stated that 21 victims, consisting of eight males and 13 females, were saved from the Egume-Ochaja forest.

He explained that the 15 NYSC members were among those kidnapped last week while traveling from Abuja to Bayelsa State. He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is also happy to announce that a total of 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, 15 of them being National Youth Service Corps members, have just been rescued within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch in 2 Division area of operation.”

This rescue comes as the military boosts operations against terrorists and criminals across the country, especially after recent kidnappings in Niger State.

Onoja mentioned that military units are working with other security agencies and state governments. They are sharing intelligence and identifying areas that need security help.

He pointed to the rescue of 308 people, mostly women and children, from Kainji Lake National Park on August 5. This shows the military's ability to find and save victims.

“The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on the 5th of August, alongside subsequent operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement within the Borgu axis, demonstrates the commitment and capability of the security forces to locate, rescue, and safely return affected citizens,” he said.

According to him, troops are putting pressure on terrorists in and around Kainji Lake National Park and other areas to stop more attacks and help displaced people return home.

He assured the people of Borgu and nearby areas that military operations will keep going until the security threats are handled.

“The Armed Forces, therefore, reassures the people of Borgu and their communities that military operations against terrorists and criminals will be sustained in the local government area and its environs to ensure the safety of the community,” Onoja said.

The General called on families of kidnapped persons to stay calm and avoid actions that could disrupt rescue efforts. He stressed that good information is crucial for the military's work.

“To the families of the victims and all persons affected by the heinous activities of terrorists and criminals, the Armed Forces acknowledges the anxiety, pain, and uncertainty that accompanies the loss or affliction of family members and friends.

“We want to urge everybody to remain calm and have confidence in the ongoing efforts of the military and other security agencies, while avoiding actions that could compromise rescue or recovery operations,” he said.

Onoja mentioned that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, is committed to rescuing kidnapped victims and protecting civilians, helping displaced people return to their communities.

He added that the defence chief has ordered the military to continue working with determination and courage against terrorism and crime.

Giving an overview of military operations in August, Onoja reported that troops neutralized more than 332 terrorists and criminals, arrested 373 others, and rescued 610 kidnapped victims.

He also noted that 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, and the military recovered 88 weapons and 2,077 rounds of ammunition during the month.

He mentioned that the military also seized 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites to fight oil theft and economic sabotage.

Onoja said the August figures show a big improvement in military operations, crediting the success to better intelligence gathering and teamwork with other agencies.

He also revealed that the number of surrendered terrorists jumped from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, showing increased pressure on terrorist groups.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff praised troops for their efforts in rescuing kidnapped citizens, fighting terrorists and armed criminals, breaking down criminal networks, stopping illegal oil bunkering, and protecting important national resources.