Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), confirmed at a news conference in Abuja on Friday that the last of the eight prospective corps members (PCMs) kidnapped in Zamfara in August 2023 has been rescued.
The abduction occurred while eight PCMs and their bus driver were en route from Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to Sokoto for their mandatory national service. According to Mr. Ahmed, the final NYSC member, Solomon Bassey, was rescued on Thursday, August 23, 2024.
The rescue operation involved collaboration among the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, the State Security Service (SSS), and traditional rulers. Mr. Ahmed detailed that the rescue of the PCMs happened in phases:
On August 30, 2023, the first PCM, Esudue Emmanuel, was rescued.
Victoria Udoka was rescued on October 20, 2023.
Abigail Sandy and Sabina Ika were freed on December 7, 2023.
Oyo-Obong Udofia and the bus driver were rescued on February 3, 2024.
Daniel Bassey was rescued on February 8, 2024.
Glory Thomas regained freedom on June 9, 2024.
Solomon Bassey, the final PCM, was rescued on August 23, 2024.
Mr. Ahmed confirmed that none of the rescued corps members’ releases involved ransom payments. He stated: “No state government brought any amount for their rescue as claimed in the media. I must state that I have not received one naira from any state government so far in the name of the rescue of these corps members.”
He expressed gratitude to God, the security agencies, and Nigerians for their support during the ordeal. Regarding the kidnappers, Mr. Ahmed noted that the culprits had been killed, and no arrests had been made to his knowledge.
Two of the rescued corps members shared their experiences. Esudue Emmanuel described the abduction as traumatic, saying: “I thank God Almighty, the Army, and the NYSC for my release. I am also thankful to the media for all their support and for everything they have done to ensure the rescue was successful.” Victoria Udoka also expressed her thanks to the NYSC and the Nigerian Army for their efforts.
Eddy Megwa, the retiring NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, noted that the successful rescue of the last PCM marked the culmination of his public service career.
He praised the smooth and successful operations that led to the release of the PCMs and expressed gratitude to God, the media, and the steadfast support of the parents and the Nigerian military.
