From Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command has said that joint security forces, comprising the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), and other auxiliary forces, have successfully rescued ten more corps members from the Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
A statement issued on Monday by the Kogi police command spokesperson, ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat, stated that the rescue operation was achieved through a coordinated, sustained, and intelligence-driven operation by the joint security forces, as part of concerted efforts to secure the safe recovery of the victims, dismantle the criminal elements operating in the area, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Recall that nine corp members were, last Friday, rescued in the same axis when two commercial buses in which they were travelling were waylaid, and 11 persons were kidnapped, while two were killed – one of which was a former zonal chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
”The Command wishes to emphasise that the operation is still ongoing, with the potential to rescue all the kidnapped victims as Security forces have intensified operations within the area and are making concerted efforts to locate and safely recover the remaining victims, while simultaneously pursuing the perpetrators responsible for the attack.
”Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, commends the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience of the personnel of the Police, Military, DSS, and other supporting security and auxiliary forces involved in the operation. He also appreciates the cooperation and support of members of the public, particularly residents of the affected communities, whose timely and credible information remains critical to the success of the ongoing operation.
”Command, therefore, urges members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movements or information that may assist the joint security forces in the ongoing operation.
”The Kogi State Police Command assures the people of Kogi State that every available operational resource is being deployed to ensure the safe recovery of all remaining victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators,” she said.
Afusat said further updates will be provided as soon as operational circumstances permit.