President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to sustain the manhunt for the kidnappers of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and six other Nigerians rescued from captivity in Kogi State.

The President ordered the security forces to ensure that the fleeing kidnappers and their accomplices are arrested and brought to justice.

Tinubu, in a post on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, said all 21 victims were rescued from their captors in the forests of Ofu Local Government Area of the state on Monday afternoon.

He said the rescue followed a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving personnel of the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes.

The President said the rescued victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were receiving medical attention ahead of their reunion with their families.

“While the abductees have been safely rescued, 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 said.

The 15 corps members and six other Nigerians were abducted last week in Kogi State by gunmen, triggering a security operation to locate and secure their release.

Confirming their freedom, Tinubu expressed delight that the operation had ended with all the abductees safely recovered.

“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”, he said.

The President commended members of the joint rescue team for what he described as their courage and professionalism in securing the victims without loss of life.

He also praised the families and loved ones of the abductees for their patience and understanding throughout the period of their captivity.

“I wholeheartedly commend the combined SAR team for their courage and appreciate families and loved ones of the abductees for their understanding during the ordeals of their loved ones”, Tinubu said.

Sharing in the relief of the families, the President specifically reassured parents and relatives of corps members across the country that his administration remained committed to their safety.

“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.

Tinubu also praised personnel of the country’s security and intelligence agencies for their efforts in confronting criminal elements.

“God bless the men and women of our Security and Intelligence agencies. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the President said. (The Nation)