Ten members of the National Youth Service Corps abducted by suspected kidnappers have been rescued from Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims were rescued during a joint operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services and other security and auxiliary forces.

The 10 corps members were among 15 NYSC members abducted last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.

The kidnappers were reportedly demanding N20 million ransom for each victim after contacting some of their families.

However, the Kogi State Police Command said the victims were rescued following a coordinated, sustained and intelligence-driven operation by the security agencies.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Saliu, said the operation was launched to secure the safe recovery of the victims, dismantle criminal elements operating in the area and bring the perpetrators to justice.

She said, “The operation is still ongoing, with the potential to rescue all the kidnapped victims. Security forces have intensified operations within the area while simultaneously pursuing the perpetrators.”

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended the personnel of the police, military, DSS and other supporting security and auxiliary forces for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience.

He also appreciated residents of the affected communities for their cooperation and timely provision of credible information, which he said contributed to the success of the operation.

The command urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or information that could assist security agencies in rescuing the remaining victims and apprehending the perpetrators.