The Nigerian military has confirmed the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps, in Kogi State.

This comes as it vowed to sustain operations to rescue residents abducted in Borgu, Niger State.

Speaking on the rescue of the NYSC members, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed on Monday that 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, had been rescued from the Egume-Ochaja forest.

He said 15 of those rescued were NYSC members who were among the victims kidnapped last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.

He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is also happy to announce that a total of 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females—15 of them being National Youth Service Corps members—have just been rescued within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch in the 2 Division area of operation.”

The development came as the military intensified operations against terrorists and criminal elements in different parts of the country, particularly following recent abductions in Niger State.

Onoja said the military formations had continued to collaborate with other security agencies and state government institutions through intelligence sharing and the identification of areas requiring security intervention.

He cited the rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on August 5 as evidence of the security forces’ capacity to locate 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.

According to him, troops are maintaining pressure on terrorists operating within and around the Kainji Lake National Park and other identified corridors to prevent further incursions and create conditions for displaced residents to return to their communities.

He assured residents of Borgu and neighbouring communities that military operations would continue until the security threats were sufficiently degraded.

“The Armed Forces, therefore, reassures 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 urged 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 acknowledges 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 said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, remained committed to rescuing kidnapped victims, protecting civilians and facilitating the return of internally displaced persons to their communities.

He added that the defence chief had directed that the military continue to operate with determination, professionalism and courage in the fight against terrorism and criminality.

Giving an account of military operations in August, Onoja said troops neutralised more than 332 terrorists and criminals, arrested 373 others and rescued 610 kidnapped victims.

He added that 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the month.

He said the military also recovered 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites as part of operations against oil theft and economic sabotage.

Onoja said the August figures represented a significant improvement in the military’s operational effectiveness, attributing the gains to intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced inter-agency cooperation.

He further disclosed that the number of surrendered terrorists increased from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, which he said indicated growing pressure on terrorist groups.

He said the CDS commended troops for their sacrifices in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting critical national assets.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening hailed security agencies for the safe rescue of the victims, describing the successful operation as a source of delight and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the safety of every Nigerian.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle, the President 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,” the President said.

He disclosed that the rescued corps members and other victims were currently receiving medical attention ahead of their reunion with their families.

“The corps members and other rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention before they are reunited with their families,” said Tinubu.

While confirming that all the abductees had been safely recovered, Tinubu said security forces remained on the trail of the fleeing kidnappers, in line with his standing directive to sustain pressure on criminal elements nationwide.

According to the President, “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.

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

“My administration remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can travel across our country without fear.”

The President commended the search and rescue team for their courage and thanked the families of the abductees for their patience during the ordeal.

He stated, “I wholeheartedly commend the combined SAR team for their courage and appreciate families and loved ones of the abductees for their understanding during the ordeal of their loved ones.”

He renewed his assurance to parents and guardians of NYSC members nationwide, whose safety in host states has been a recurring source of public anxiety amid Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis.

“As I share in the relief and joy of the parents and loved ones of the rescued individuals, I want to once again assure parents and loved ones of our dedicated corps members that my administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of their lives and property, as well as those of other Nigerians,” he said.

He closed the statement with prayers for the country’s security personnel.

“God bless the men and women of our security and intelligence agencies. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President said.