President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed relief over the successful rescue of 21 Nigerians, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted last week by criminal elements in Kogi State.
The President, in a statement issued on Monday, August 31, 2026, said the victims were rescued during a coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation conducted by a combined team of military personnel, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.
The 21 abductees, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from a kidnappers’ hideout in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
“I am delighted to receive the news that the fifteen members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other innocent and law-abiding Nigerians abducted last week in Kogi State by some criminal elements have regained their freedom,” Tinubu said.
He disclosed that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families, adding that security forces had continued their pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers.
“While the abductees have been safely rescued, our gallant security forces are still on the trail of the routed kidnappers, in line with my directive to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements,” the President said.
Tinubu vowed that those responsible for the abduction, as well as individuals who aided the crime, would be brought to justice.
“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime,” he said.
The President said the development underscored his administration’s determination to restore confidence in the safety of road travel across the country.
“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” he said.
Tinubu commended the combined SAR team for its courage and professionalism, while appreciating the families and loved ones of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal.
“I wholeheartedly commend the combined SAR team for their courage and appreciate families and loved ones of the abductees for their understanding during the ordeals of their loved ones,” he said.
The President also reassured parents and relatives of NYSC members serving across the country that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting their lives and property.
“As I share in the relief and joy of the parents and loved ones of the rescued individuals, I want to once again assure parents and loved ones of our dedicated corps members that my Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of their lives and property, as well as those of other Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
He concluded by saluting the nation’s security and intelligence personnel for their efforts.
“God bless the men and women of our Security and Intelligence agencies. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President said.
