President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the successful rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other Nigerians who were abducted by criminal elements in Kogi State, declaring that security agencies would continue their pursuit of those behind the crime.

The President announced on Monday that all 21 victims regained their freedom following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes.

The rescued victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were reportedly freed from a kidnappers’ hideout in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Expressing his delight over the outcome of the operation, Tinubu said, “I am delighted to receive the news that the fifteen members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other innocent and law-abiding Nigerians abducted last week in Kogi State by some criminal elements have regained their freedom.”

According to the President, the operation that led to the victims’ rescue involved a combined team drawn from the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes.

“The well-coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation carried out by a combined team of personnel of the military, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and local vigilantes safely rescued all twenty-one abductees, made up of eight males and thirteen females, from the den of kidnappers in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State this afternoon,” he said.

Tinubu disclosed that the rescued Nigerians were receiving appropriate medical care and attention before their eventual reunion with their families and loved ones.

However, he stressed that the successful rescue operation did not mark the end of the security operation, as the fleeing kidnappers remained under pursuit.

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“While the abductees have been safely rescued, our gallant security forces are still on the trail of the routed kidnappers, in line with my directive to sustain the pressure on all criminal elements,” he said.

The President vowed that everyone connected to the abduction, including those who provided assistance to the criminals, would be brought to justice.

“Those responsible will face the full weight of the law, and our security agencies will pursue everyone who aided this crime.”

Reaffirming his administration’s determination to confront insecurity across the country, Tinubu said Nigerians must be able to move freely without living in fear of criminal attacks.

“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear,” Tinubu said.

The President praised members of the joint security team for their courage and commitment throughout the rescue operation, while also acknowledging the patience shown by the families and loved ones of the abducted victims during the difficult period.

“I wholeheartedly commend the combined SAR team for their courage and appreciate families and loved ones of the abductees for their understanding during the ordeals of their loved ones,” he said.

Tinubu also sought to reassure parents, guardians and relatives of members of the National Youth Service Corps that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting corps members and other Nigerians across the country.

“As I share in the relief and joy of the parents and loved ones of the rescued individuals, I want to once again, assure parents and loved ones of our dedicated corps members that my Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of their lives and property, as well as those of other Nigerians,” he said.

The President concluded his message by saluting the efforts of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies.

“God bless the men and women of our Security and Intelligence agencies. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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