The security agencies were indeed animated by His Excellency’s concern and commitment to urgently and successfully rescuing the corps members.
By Moses Okorie
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has praised security agencies and other stakeholders for their efforts in securing the safe release of 16 corps members abducted in Kogi State.
The corps members were kidnapped on August 26 while travelling to Abuja from the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bayelsa State after completing their Orientation Course.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said the management was grateful for the successful operation that led to the corps members’ recovery.
She commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and Kogi State Vigilante groups for their roles in the search and rescue mission.
According to her, the security personnel demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and determination, while their coordinated efforts contributed significantly to the safe recovery of the victims.
Embu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Youth Development for their support and commitment to bringing the abducted corps members home safely.
She noted that the concern shown by the President and other government officials encouraged the security agencies to intensify their efforts until the victims were rescued.
“The security agencies were indeed animated by His Excellency’s concern and commitment to urgently and successfully rescuing the corps members,” she said.
The NYSC management also praised the families of the affected corps members for remaining patient and cooperating with authorities throughout the period of the abduction.
The scheme equally acknowledged the media for exercising restraint and professionalism in reporting the incident, stressing that the coverage did not put the safety of the corps members at further risk while they were in captivity.
The NYSC said it was particularly relieved that all the abducted corps members had been rescued safely and were in good spirits.
“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,” Embu stated.
She described the corps members’ resilience following the ordeal as remarkable, assuring them that the NYSC would continue to provide the necessary support as they recover from the experience.
The scheme further assured Nigerians that it would strengthen its collaboration with security and government agencies to improve the safety and protection of corps members across the country.
Embu said the incident had provided important lessons that would guide future security arrangements.
“Lessons have been learned, and protocols will be reviewed to forestall future occurrences,” she added.