Eleven members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) abducted along a highway in Kogi State have been rescued by security operatives, while four others remain missing, the state Police Command has confirmed.
The victims, members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II, were travelling to Abuja after completing their orientation programme at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State when their vehicles came under attack on Wednesday.
Police said the incident occurred at about 4:40 p.m. around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria–Onicha-Igo Junction along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area. The attackers reportedly emerged from the bush, blocked two vehicles and forced some of the occupants into the surrounding forest. Two buses, including a Peace Mass Transit white Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus, were later recovered from the scene.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Ofu mobilised a joint team of security personnel for a search operation in the area. The operation led to the rescue of 11 victims, including the two drivers, who were subsequently debriefed by the police before being allowed to continue their journey.
The search has, however, continued for the four victims still unaccounted for, as security operatives comb the surrounding forests and intensify efforts to apprehend the attackers. The incident has again raised concerns over the security of major highways linking southern Nigeria with Abuja, particularly stretches passing through forested areas of Kogi State.
