The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the successful rescue of ten corps members kidnapped along the Ofu/Itobe–Onicha-Igo axis of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, by gunmen.
New Telegraph reports that a total of 15 NYSC members were abducted last Wednesday while travelling from their Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to Abuja.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who confirmed the rescue by troops on Monday in Abuja during the regular operational briefing on ongoing counterinsurgency actions across theatres, urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to relevant agencies of government.
“Ten National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by suspected kidnappers have been rescued from Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State”, General Onoja disclosed.
He assured that security operatives will maintain aggressive posture until other kidnapped victims are freed, while arrested suspects are brought to justice.
His words: “The operation was still ongoing, with security forces working to rescue the remaining victims and arrest the suspects.
“The members of the public are urged to remain calm and vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movement or information that could help rescue the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators,”
“The victims were among 15 corps members kidnapped last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.
“The kidnappers were reportedly demanding N20 million from the families of some of the victims as ransom.”
Meanwhile, Onoja said the killing of 324 terrorists in the month of August underscored the intensity of ongoing operations.
Hear him: “The operational record for the month of August stands as compelling testimony to the sustained resolve of the AFN to ensure a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace to thrive in our country.
“Over 324 terrorists and criminals were neutralized this month, with 373 terrorist/criminals arrested and 610 kidnap victims rescued.
“Additionally, 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2077 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
“Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft has continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs which yielded the recovered of 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 21 illegal refining sites.
“On the whole, the AFN has significantly degraded the capabilities of criminals and terrorists across the nation.”
