Security forces have rescued 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from kidnappers in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the Kogi State Police Command announced on Monday, August 31, 2026.

The rescue followed a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and auxiliary personnel.

Corps Members Rescued From Forest

According to the Kogi State Police Command, the victims were rescued through an intelligence-driven operation in the Egume Forest.

A video shared online shows several rescued people seated outdoors, with armed security personnel in camouflage standing behind them. One of those rescued was seen wearing an NYSC T-shirt.

The operation was carried out after security agencies received information on the whereabouts of the abducted corps members.

Kidnappers Demanded ₦20 Million Ransom

The rescued corps members were among about 15 NYSC members abducted the previous week while travelling through Kogi State.

Families of some victims had earlier reported that the kidnappers demanded about ₦20 million for each corps member before their release.

The abduction occurred along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu LGA, where gunmen attacked vehicles carrying passengers, including corps members returning from their NYSC orientation exercise.

Security Operation Still Ongoing

The police said efforts were continuing to locate and rescue any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended the security personnel involved for their professionalism and resilience. He also acknowledged residents who provided information that assisted the operation.

The command urged residents to remain calm and vigilant while reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.

Military Reports Wider Rescue

Separately, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said troops had rescued 21 victims from the Egume-Ochaja forest stretch.

According to him, the wider group comprised eight males and 13 females, including 15 NYSC members. The figure covers victims rescued during broader military operations in the area.

Earlier operations had also led to the rescue of 11 people, including drivers, after the attack on two vehicles along the route.