The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the successful rescue of corps members abducted in Kogi State.
The corps members were abducted on August 26, 2026, while travelling from the NYSC orientation camp in Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their orientation course.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 1, the NYSC management expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State vigilante groups and others who participated in the search and rescue operation.
The scheme described the professionalism, courage, commitment and coordination demonstrated during the operation as commendable.
“The professionalism, courage, commitment, and coordination demonstrated in rescuing the Corps Members are deeply appreciated,” the statement said.
The NYSC also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, describing his commitment to the safety and welfare of corps members nationwide as unwavering.
According to the scheme, the security agencies were “animated by His Excellency’s concern and commitment to urgently and successfully rescuing the Corps Members.”
It also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Youth Development for their roles in the recovery efforts.
The NYSC expressed appreciation to the families of the affected corps members for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident, as well as the media for reporting the development without compromising the safety of the abducted corps members.
The management said it was relieved that all the affected corps members had been safely recovered and were in high spirits, with plans to resume at their respective places of primary assignment.
“Their resolute spirit is humbling and instructive, and NYSC remains committed to supporting them as they recover from this traumatic experience,” it stated.
The scheme reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of all corps members, saying it would continue to work with the government and security agencies to strengthen protective measures.
It added that lessons had been learnt from the incident and that relevant protocols would be reviewed to prevent a recurrence.
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“Lessons have been learned, and protocols will be reviewed to forestall future occurrences. Salute to courage, duty, and patriotism,” the NYSC stated.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier announced the rescue of 21 Nigerians, including 15 NYSC members, who were abducted in Kogi State.
Tinubu disclosed this in a statement he personally signed on Monday, August 31, saying the victims were rescued following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the military, Nigeria Police Force, DSS and local vigilantes.
The 21 abductees, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from forests in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
