- Safiu Kehinde
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 10 members of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, kidnapped in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
Afusat Saliu, the Kogi Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lokoja.
According to Saliu, the rescue operation was carried out by joint security forces comprising of personnel of the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other auxiliary security forces.
She said the operation was coordinated and intelligence-driven, adding that security forces were still combing the area to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“The operation is still ongoing, with the potential to rescue all the kidnapped victims,” she said.
According to her, security forces have intensified operations within the area and are making concerted efforts to locate and safely rescue the remaining victims.
The PPRO quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, commending the personnel involved in the operation for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience.
He also appreciated residents of the affected communities for providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or information that could assist the ongoing operation.
It assured residents that all available operational resources were being deployed to secure the safe recovery of the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The command said further updates would be provided as soon as operational circumstances permitted.