The Nigerian military has confirmed the rescue of 21 kidnaped people, including 15 National Youth Service Corps members, in Kogi State.
This comes as it vows to continue operations to rescue citizens kidnaped in Niger State’s Borgu Local Government Area.
Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defense Media Operations, revealed on Monday that 21 NYSC members, eight males and 13 females, had been rescued from the Egume-Ochaja Forest.
He stated that 15 of the rescued were NYSC personnel who were kidnaped last week while traveling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.
He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are also happy to announce that a total of 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, 15 of them being National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, have just been rescued within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch in the 2 Division area of operation.”
The occurrence occurred as the military increased operations against terrorists and criminal elements across the country, particularly following recent abductions in Niger State.
Onoja stated that military formations had continued to engage with other security agencies and state government institutions by exchanging intelligence and identifying places that required security assistance.
He mentioned the rescue of 308 abducted people, mostly women and children, from Kainji Lake National Park on August 5 as proof of the security forces’ ability to find and rescue victims.
“The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on the 5th of August, alongside subsequent operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement within the Borgu axis, demonstrates the commitment and capability of the security forces to locate, rescue, and safely return affected citizens,” he said.
The military is putting pressure on terrorists in the Kainji Lake National Park and other areas to prevent further incursions and allow displaced residents to return to their communities.
Residents in Borgu and surrounding areas have been assured that military operations will continue until security threats are reduced sufficiently.
“The Armed Forces, therefore, reassure the people of Borgu and their communities that military operations against terrorists and criminals will be sustained in the local government area and its environs to ensure the safety of the community,” Onoja said.
The general called on the families of abducted persons to remain calm and avoid actions that could undermine rescue operations, stressing that credible information was vital to the military’s efforts.
“To the families of the victims and all persons affected by the heinous activities of terrorists and criminals, the armed forces acknowledge the anxiety, pain, and uncertainty that accompany the loss or affliction of family members and friends.
“We want to urge everybody to remain calm and have confidence in the ongoing efforts of the military and other security agencies, while avoiding actions that could compromise rescue or recovery operations,” he said.
Onoja stated that the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, remains committed to retrieving kidnaped victims, defending civilians, and facilitating the return of internally displaced people to their communities.
He went on to say that the defense chief has urged the military to continue fighting terrorism and criminals with resolve, professionalism, and courage.
Giving a report of military operations in August, Onoja stated that troops killed over 332 terrorists and criminals, detained 373 others, and rescued 610 kidnaped people.
He also stated that 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, and 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were confiscated throughout the month.
Onoja stated that the August data indicated a considerable increase in the military’s operational effectiveness, citing intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, greater intelligence collecting, and improved inter-agency coordination.
He also revealed that the number of surrendered terrorists rose from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, indicating increased pressure on terrorist groups.
He added the CDS praised troops for their efforts in rescuing kidnaped individuals, neutralizing terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering, and preserving important national assets.
