Security forces have rescued 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State, with an operation still underway to locate other victims and arrest the perpetrators.
Ten NYSC members abducted along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State have been rescued from Egume Forest, following a coordinated operation by security agencies.
The rescue operation involved personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and auxiliary forces.
The victims were among 15 corps members reportedly abducted on August 26, 2026, while travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their NYSC orientation programme.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, the rescue was achieved through a sustained and intelligence-driven operation in the forest.
The development comes after earlier reports indicated that 11 abducted persons had been rescued following the attack. However, the police subsequently clarified that the earlier figure included other travellers caught up in the incident and did not represent 11 of the abducted NYSC members.
The latest police update puts the number of NYSC members rescued at 10.
The attack occurred around 4:40 p.m. on August 26 near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, where armed men reportedly emerged from the bush and blocked vehicles travelling along the route.
The abductors reportedly took several passengers into the surrounding forest, prompting security agencies to launch a search-and-rescue operation.
With 10 of the reported 15 NYSC members now rescued, security forces have intensified operations in the area to locate any remaining victims and apprehend the suspected kidnappers.
The authorities have also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist the ongoing operation.
The rescue provides relief to the families and colleagues of the affected corps members, although concerns remain over the status of those yet to be accounted for.
Security agencies have assured that the operation will continue until the remaining victims are safely recovered and those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.