“A Small Victory in a Nation Under Siege” — Tinubu Announces Rescue of 21 Abducted Citizens, Including 15 Corps Members

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other Nigerians abducted in Kogi State, commending a coordinated Search and Rescue operation that freed all 21 victims from a kidnappers’ den in Ofu Local Government Area.

ValidViewNetwork gathered that President Bola Tinubu on Monday, August 31, 2026, confirmed the rescue of 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps and six other Nigerians who were abducted last week in Kogi State.

The 21 abductees, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday afternoon following a coordinated Search and Rescue operation by security agencies and local vigilantes.

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They were freed from a kidnappers’ den in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

The 15 NYSC members were abducted last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.

President’s Statement

In a statement on X, 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 him, the operation was carried out by a combined team of personnel from the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local vigilantes.

“Security Forces Are Still on the Trail”

Tinubu disclosed that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.

However, he said the operation against the kidnappers was not over, as security forces continued to pursue fleeing suspects.

“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.”

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

Commitment to Citizen Safety

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can travel across the country without fear.

He commended the security personnel involved in the rescue operation and appreciated the families of the victims for their patience and understanding.