Troops Rescue 21 Victims, Including 15 NYSC Members, In Kogi

The Nigerian military rescued 21 kidnaped victims, including 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, in Kogi State.

The Director, Defense Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this, it was learnt.

Onoja said that 21 victims, eight males and 13 females, were rescued from the Egume-Ochaja forest.

He added that the military will continue to rescue the residents abducted in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is also pleased to inform the general public that a total of 21 victims comprising of eight males and 13 females, 15 of whom are members of the National Youth Service Corps have just been rescued within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch in 2 Division area of operation,” he added.

The spokesperson said military formations had continued to work with other security agencies and state government institutions through intelligence sharing and the identification of areas in need of security intervention.

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He said: “The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons, mostly women and children, from Kainji Lake National Park on August 5 and subsequent operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement within Borgu axis show commitment and capability of security forces to locate, rescue and safely return affected citizens.”

Troops will continue to put pressure on terrorists operating within and around the Kainji Lake National Park and other identified corridors, he said.

This is being done to prevent more incursions and to create conditions for the return of displaced residents to their communities, he said.

Onoja said: “the Armed Forces, therefore, assures the people of Borgu and their communities that military operations against terrorists and criminals will be sustained in the local government area and its environs to ensure the safety of the community.

He appealed to families of abducted persons to stay calm and not to take any action that could jeopardize rescue operations, noting that credible information was critical to the efforts of the military.

“We acknowledge the anxiety, pain and uncertainty that goes with the loss or affliction of family members and friends to the families of the victims and all persons affected by the heinous activities of terrorists and criminals.

“We want to encourage everyone to stay calm and to have faith in the ongoing effort of the military and other security agencies to resolve the situation, and to refrain from any action that might jeopardize rescue or recovery efforts,” he said.