The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the successful rescue of 16 Corps Members abducted in Kogi State while travelling from the Bayelsa State orientation camp to Abuja.
The Corps Members were abducted on August 26, 2026, while on relocation after successfully completing their Orientation Course.
In a statement signed by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations, the NYSC management expressed 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 commended the professionalism, courage, commitment and coordination demonstrated by the security personnel during the operation, which culminated in the safe recovery of all 16 Corps Members.
NYSC also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, saying his concern for the safety and welfare of Corps Members nationwide helped drive the urgency attached to the rescue operation.
It also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Youth Development for their roles in the recovery efforts.
The Scheme expressed appreciation to the families of the affected Corps Members for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident, as well as the media for handling the situation responsibly without compromising the safety of the abducted Corps Members.
According to the NYSC, all the rescued Corps Members are safe, in high spirits and eager to resume at their respective places of primary assignment.
‘Management is relieved that all affected Corps Members have been safely recovered and are in high spirits, eager to resume at their places of primary assignment,’ the statement said.
The Scheme noted that the Corps Members’ resilience in the face of the ordeal was commendable, adding that it would continue to provide support to help them recover from the traumatic experience.
NYSC further assured that it would work with the government and security agencies to strengthen protective measures for Corps Members across the country.
It said lessons had been learnt from the incident and that relevant protocols would be reviewed to reduce the risk of similar occurrences in the future.
The Scheme reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Corps Members, concluding with its familiar call: ‘Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.’