How Security Forces Stormed Kogi Kidnappers’ Camp, Freed 15 NYSC Members, Six Others

How Security Forces Stormed Kogi Kidnappers’ Camp, Freed 15 NYSC Members, Six Others

Security operatives have rescued 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other victims after a coordinated operation against kidnappers in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, who spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, said the rescue followed an intensive search-and-rescue operation involving the military, police, Department of State Services, local vigilantes and hunters.

According to him, security agencies immediately activated an emergency response after receiving information about the abduction.

“As soon as we were alerted, we put all necessary measures in place to ensure they were rescued and returned to their families. An emergency meeting was convened by all the service commanders: the Brigade Commander, the Commissioner of Police, and the Director of DSS,” Kankarofi said.

He explained that following the meeting, the security commanders developed a coordinated strategy to locate the victims and their abductors.

“We fashioned out a search-and-rescue operation, which commenced immediately. As the situation unfolded, we narrowed down to a particular spot and sought the support of local vigilantes and hunters who know the terrain very well.”

The knowledge of the forest terrain by the local hunters and vigilantes, according to the police commissioner, proved vital as security forces closed in on the kidnappers.

The operation, which began in earnest on Sunday, eventually led the combined team to the kidnappers’ camp on Monday afternoon.

“The operation commenced in earnest on Sunday. To God be the glory, around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, we arrived at the camp of the kidnappers. There was a serious gun battle; they were eventually overpowered, and all the corps members were rescued.”

However, two of the rescued victims sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange between the security forces and the kidnappers.

“Unfortunately, two people suffered gunshot injuries to their right legs: one corps member and one civilian who was abducted from the second vehicle.”

Kankarofi said the corps members had been travelling from Bayelsa State when they came under attack shortly after entering Kogi along the Itobe-Ajaokuta Highway.

“When they entered Kogi along the Itobe–Ajaokuta Highway around 5:00 p.m., they were attacked and abducted into the bush alongside passengers from another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.”

The gun battle reportedly left four suspected kidnappers dead, while several others escaped from the camp with gunshot wounds.

“Four of the kidnappers were killed during the exchange of fire, and several escaped with bullet wounds. A search-and-rescue operation has been going on since yesterday to mop up the area and arrest the fleeing suspects.”

The Commissioner of Police said security personnel had remained deployed in the operational area as efforts continued to track down the fleeing suspects.

He added that the Kogi Police Command had also coordinated with neighbouring Enugu State because of the possibility that the fleeing kidnappers could attempt to escape through routes leading into the state.

“As I am talking to you now, all our officers—military, police, DSS operatives, and hunters—are still at the operational theatre, and we are awaiting outcomes.”

“This morning, I also linked up with the neighbouring command in Enugu State because that area leads into Enugu, and arrangements have been made to ensure their forces block their end of the region.”

The rescue operation followed the abduction of the 15 NYSC members and six other persons who were taken into Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, had earlier confirmed that the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated operation involving various security agencies.

Meanwhile, Kankarofi appealed to residents and travellers not to panic, describing the incident as isolated.

“These are just isolated cases.”

He maintained that Kogi State remained largely peaceful and said security agencies had continued to respond swiftly whenever threats emerged.

“Kogi State has been generally peaceful and calm. The security forces here are very effective and respond promptly; that’s why when such situations happen, you get to know about them.”

The police commissioner also encouraged travellers to continue using roads across the state, assuring them that security personnel were actively working to protect lives and property.

“But generally, the state is calm. You can feel free to travel through Kogi State with nothing to worry about.”