Security forces in Nigeria have rescued 21 people, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.
The victims were rescued on Monday, August 31, 2026, following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the Nigerian military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes and other security personnel.
The NYSC members were among passengers attacked by armed men along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area on August 26. The corps members were reportedly travelling after completing their orientation activities when the attackers emerged from the surrounding bush and abducted passengers.
Security agencies subsequently launched operations to locate the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the rescued group consisted of eight males and 13 females, with 15 of them being NYSC members. The victims were located in the Egume and Ochaja forest areas of Kogi State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the rescue and expressed relief that the victims had regained their freedom. He said the rescued persons were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families and loved ones.
The President also praised the security agencies and local vigilantes who participated in the operation, while promising that those responsible for the abduction would be pursued and brought to justice.
The rescue followed earlier reports that some victims had already been freed, which created confusion over the exact number of people still being held. The Kogi Police Command later clarified that 10 of the 15 abducted corps members had been rescued in one phase of the operation, while further operations continued.
The latest announcement from the President and military indicates that all 15 NYSC members and six other abducted Nigerians have now been rescued.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of corps members travelling between states, particularly as they are often required to travel long distances during their national service.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies. Security forces are also continuing efforts to track down the suspected kidnappers responsible for the attack.
The successful rescue provides relief to the families of the victims and the wider NYSC community, while also highlighting the continuing security challenges facing travellers on some major roads across Nigeria.
