The Nigerian military had rescued 21 people who were abducted in Kogi State, including 15 National Youth Service Corps members. The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued from the Egume-Ochaja forest after they were kidnapped while travelling from Abuja to Bayelsa State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the rescue followed intensified military operations and intelligence sharing with other security agencies. He added that troops had continued operations against terrorists and criminals in Kogi and other parts of the country.

President Bola Tinubu also welcomed the rescue, saying the victims were receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families. He said security forces remained on the trail of the fleeing kidnappers and would ensure those responsible faced the full weight of the law.