Relief swept through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) yesterday after all 16 corps members abducted in Kogi State were safely rescued, following a coordinated operation by security agencies and local vigilante groups.

The corps members had been abducted on August 26 while travelling from the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their orientation course.

Their safe recovery ended days of anxiety for their families and the NYSC management, which commended the security agencies for their courage, professionalism and sustained efforts to locate the victims.

In a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the NYSC praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State vigilante groups and other stakeholders for their roles in the rescue operation.

The NYSC described the operation as a demonstration of effective coordination, commitment and resilience by the security agencies.

The rescue was achieved through sustained, intelligence-driven operations in forests and communities believed to be linked to the abduction.

At one stage of the operation, security personnel rescued 10 of the corps members from a forest in Egume, Kogi State, while the search continued for the remaining victims.

The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Salifu Oyiza Afusat, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lokoja, saying security forces had intensified their operations in the forest and surrounding areas.

According to the police, the operation was aimed at recovering the abducted corps members and apprehending the criminal elements responsible for the attack.

With all 16 victims now safely recovered, the NYSC said the corps members were in high spirits and eager to return to their respective places of primary assignment.

The NYSC also acknowledged the concern and support of President Bola Tinubu, noting that his commitment to the safety and welfare of corps members contributed to the urgency with which the rescue operation was pursued.

It further commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Youth Development for their roles in securing the release of the corps members.

The NYSC also praised the media for its professional handling of the incident, particularly its restraint in reporting the abduction without compromising the safety of the victims while they remained in captivity.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command commended the security personnel involved in the operation for their gallantry, professionalism and resilience.

The command also appreciated residents of the affected communities for providing timely and credible information that aided the security agencies.

It urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and to report suspicious movements or information that could assist security agencies in their continuing operations.

Although the immediate priority was the safe recovery of the corps members, the NYSC said the incident had also provided important lessons for strengthening the protection of corps members travelling to and from orientation camps.

It said relevant protocols would be reviewed to strengthen protective measures and reduce the possibility of a recurrence.

It assured the corps members of continued support as they recover from the ordeal, adding that their resilience in the face of the experience was commendable.