Security forces have freed 10 out of 15 National Youth Service Corps members who were kidnapped in Kogi State last Friday.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, confirmed the rescue during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, August 31, 2026. He said the corps members were found in Egume Forest, Ofu Local Government Area.
According to Onoja, the youths were traveling from Abuja to Bayelsa State after finishing their NYSC orientation camp when they were abducted.
The operation to rescue the remaining five members and arrest the kidnappers is still ongoing, he added.
Onoja called on residents to stay calm and report any suspicious movement that could help security agents complete the rescue and bring those responsible to justice.
Reports say the kidnappers had demanded N20 million in ransom from some of the victims’ families.
The rescue comes amid fresh calls by NYSC members for the full implementation of the new N77,000 monthly allowance and better welfare and security guarantees from state governors.
