The Nigerian military has rescued 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and six others abducted last week while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State, on completion of their camp activities
Penpushing reports that the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed on Monday that 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, had been rescued from the Egume-Ochaja forest, Kogi State
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is also happy to announce that a total of 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, 15 of them being National Youth Service Corps members, have just been rescued within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch in 2 Division area of operation’, he said
Penpushing further reports that Onoja stated that military formations had continued to collaborate with other security agencies and state government institutions through intelligence sharing and the identification of areas requiring security intervention.
The Defence Media Operations explained that the military will equally sustain operations to rescue residents abducted in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, and cited the rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on August 5, 2026 as evidence of the security forces’ capacity to locate and rescue victims.
“The recent rescue of 308 abducted persons, predominantly women and children, from the Kainji Lake National Park on the 5th of August, alongside subsequent operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement within the Borgu axis, demonstrates the commitment and capability of the security forces to locate, rescue, and safely return affected citizens,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Onoja said troops are maintaining pressure on terrorists operating within and around the Kainji Lake National Park and other identified corridors to prevent further incursions and create conditions for displaced residents to return to their communities.
The Major General assured residents of Borgu and neighbouring communities that military operations would continue until the security threats were sufficiently degraded.
“The Armed Forces, therefore, reassures the people of Borgu and their communities that military operations against terrorists and criminals will be sustained in the local government area and its environs to ensure the safety of the community,” Onoja said.
Penpushing reports that he urged families of abducted persons to remain calm and avoid actions that could undermine rescue operations, stressing that credible information was vital to the military’s efforts.
“To the families of the victims and all persons affected by the heinous activities of terrorists and criminals, the Armed Forces acknowledges the anxiety, pain, and uncertainty that accompanies the loss or affliction of family members and friends’.
“We want to urge everybody to remain calm and have confidence in the ongoing efforts of the military and other security agencies, while avoiding actions that could compromise rescue or recovery operations,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, remained committed to rescuing kidnapped victims, protecting civilians and facilitating the return of internally displaced persons to their communities.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, added that the defence chief had directed that the military continue to operate with determination, professionalism and courage in the fight against terrorism and criminality.
Penpushing reports that Onoja giving an account of military operations in August, said troops neutralised more than 332 terrorists and criminals, arrested 373 others and rescued 610 kidnapped victims.
The military boss pointed out that 201 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 88 arms and 2,077 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the month, adding that the military also recovered 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites as part of operations against oil theft and economic sabotage.
Penpushing further reports that he stated that the August figures represented a significant improvement in the military’s operational effectiveness, attributing the gains to intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, improved intelligence gathering and enhanced inter-agency cooperation.
The Major General disclosed that the number of surrendered terrorists increased from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August, which he said indicated growing pressure on terrorist groups.
Penpushing also reports that Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff commended troops for their sacrifices in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting critical national assets.
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