Member representing Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Tajudeen Were, has welcomed the successful rescue of kidnapped National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, commending the security agencies for their courage, professionalism and commitment to bringing the victims back to safety.
The lawmaker’s reaction follows the successful rescue of 15 NYSC members and six other abducted Nigerians in Kogi State after a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilantes. The victims had been abducted while travelling from the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bayelsa State to Abuja.
Hon. Were described the development as a moment of relief for the affected corps members, their families and Nigerians across the country, stressing that the successful operation demonstrates the importance of effective coordination among security and intelligence agencies.
He particularly commended the personnel involved in the operation for their bravery and determination, noting that the safe recovery of the victims would not have been possible without their commitment and willingness to put their lives on the line.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the trauma associated with kidnapping and prolonged captivity, stressing that rescue should not mark the end of government’s responsibility towards the victims.
According to him, the rescued corps members should be given adequate medical attention, psychosocial counselling and emotional support to help them recover from the psychological impact of their ordeal.
The call is particularly significant as reports from some of the rescued victims revealed the severity of their experience in captivity, including threats to their lives and harsh treatment by their abductors.
Hon. Were therefore urged the relevant government agencies, NYSC management and other stakeholders to ensure that the victims receive the necessary support as they transition back to normal life and eventually resume their national service responsibilities.
He also called for sustained efforts to strengthen the security of corps members travelling between orientation camps and their places of primary assignment, noting that young Nigerians who volunteer to serve the nation should be able to undertake their responsibilities without fear.
The NYSC management has similarly commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, DSS, Kogi State vigilante groups and other stakeholders involved in the rescue, while reaffirming its commitment to the safety and welfare of corps members nationwide.
Hon. Were further called for intelligence-led security operations and stronger inter-agency collaboration to prevent similar incidents, stressing that protecting the lives of Nigerians must remain a collective national priority.
He expressed solidarity with the families of the rescued corps members and congratulated them on the safe return of their loved ones.
“The safe return of these young Nigerians is a moment of relief and gratitude. We commend our security agencies for their courage and dedication. However, we must also recognise that surviving captivity can leave deep emotional and psychological scars. These young Nigerians must receive the medical and psychosocial support necessary to help them heal and regain confidence.
“As a nation, we must continue to strengthen the security architecture around our young people serving the country. Their safety and welfare must remain a priority,” Hon. Were said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting legislative and institutional efforts aimed at improving the safety and welfare of young Nigerians and strengthening national security.
The successful rescue, he added, should reinforce the confidence of Nigerians in the ability of the country’s security institutions to respond decisively to threats while serving as a reminder of the need for continued investment in intelligence, technology and coordinated security operations.
 members, commending the security agencies for their courage, professionalism and commitment to bringing the victims back to safety.){kind=link}