The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended security agencies and other stakeholders for the successful rescue of 16 Corps Members abducted in Kogi State on August 26, 2026.
The Corps Members were reportedly abducted while travelling from the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bayelsa State to Abuja for their relocation after completing the orientation programme.
In a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu on Tuesday, the NYSC expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State vigilante groups and others who participated in the search and rescue operation.
The Scheme praised the security personnel for their professionalism, courage, commitment and effective coordination, which it said contributed to the safe recovery of the Corps Members.
NYSC also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his commitment to the safety and welfare of Corps Members nationwide as unwavering.
According to the Scheme, the President’s concern over the incident helped galvanise the security agencies into taking urgent steps that culminated in the successful rescue of the abducted Corps Members.
It further commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Youth Development for their roles in the recovery efforts.
The NYSC also appreciated the families of the affected Corps Members for their patience and cooperation throughout the ordeal, as well as the media for its professional handling of the incident without compromising the safety of the victims while they were in captivity.
The Scheme said it was relieved that all 16 Corps Members had been safely recovered and were in high spirits, expressing readiness to resume at their places of primary assignment.
“Their resolute spirit is humbling and instructive, and NYSC remains committed to supporting them as they recover from this traumatic experience,” the statement said.
The NYSC assured Corps Members and their families that it would continue to work with government and security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at protecting participants of the national service programme.
It added that lessons had been learnt from the incident and that relevant protocols would be reviewed to prevent a recurrence.
The statement concluded with the NYSC’s familiar national service slogan: “Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.”
