- Police, DSS, Military Sustain Hunt For Abductors
- Uzodimma: Security Agencies Showed Patriotism In Rescue Operation
- Alli To Security Agencies: Step Up Intelligence, Hunt Down Those Behind Abduction
There was relief on Wednesday as security operatives rescued all 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.
The corps members, who were kidnapped in the early hours of October 1, were rescued at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations by a joint team of the Department of State Services (DSS), military and police.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) spokesperson, Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the breakthrough in a statement, saying the victims had been taken for medical assessment and necessary care
“The victims were rescued on 7th October 2026 at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations. They have since been taken for medical assessment and necessary care,” Iniedu said.
The dramatic rescue brings to an end nearly a week of anxiety for the families of the prospective corps members, who were snatched from the road after gunmen attacked two 18-seater buses travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State.
The buses, reportedly carrying passengers travelling to Akwa Ibom and Abia states, were intercepted by the attackers, who robbed the occupants before taking the corps members into the bush.
A viral video circulated on X showed the buses bearing the Abia State Government logo.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, had earlier confirmed that the attack occurred at about 6:30am on October 1, disclosing that 10 of the victims were rescued immediately.
He said security operatives subsequently launched an extensive search-and-rescue operation, backed by intelligence aimed at tracking the abductors and freeing the remaining victims.
The situation, however, took a darker turn when the abductors reportedly contacted the families of the remaining corps members on Saturday and demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom, giving the families 24 hours to pay.According to Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande, who spoke on behalf of the affected families, the kidnappers made repeated contact through the mobile phones of the abducted corps members.
The development prompted intensified security intervention, with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, deploying the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to coordinate the rescue mission.
Nadada subsequently arrived in Imo State alongside two Commissioners of Police and carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the operation.
The DIG reviewed the deployment of personnel and operational assets and issued fresh directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response and accelerating efforts to rescue the victims.
With the successful operation, the police said the security agencies had now shifted focus to the abductors.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, as the Police and other security agencies sustain coordinated operations towards bringing all culpable persons to justice,” Iniedu said.
The NPF commended members of the public for their cooperation and support, assuring Nigerians that it remained committed to protecting lives and property, responding promptly to security threats and deepening collaboration with sister security agencies.
The rescue marks a major breakthrough in the operation launched after the October 1 attack and provides relief to the families who had endured days of uncertainty over the fate of the young Nigerians preparing to commence their national service.
Reacting, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, commended security agencies for the successful rescue of the abductees.
Uzodimma, in a statement personally signed by him, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the security agencies and the governments of Imo and Oyo states, which he said contributed to the swift resolution of the incident.
The governor particularly praised the security agencies for their patriotism, discretion and coordinated efforts in securing the release of the victims unharmed.
Uzodimma said the security of the victims was the priority throughout the operation, explaining that the government deliberately avoided making public statements that could jeopardise the rescue effort.
He said the discreet handling of the incident was necessary because it involved the protection of human lives.
The governor also commended the parents and families of the abducted corps members for their patience and composure throughout the ordeal.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support security agencies and maintain faith in the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges.
On his part, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has commended President Bola Tinubu, Imo State Governor Uzodimma and security agencies for the rescue of 20 prospective corp members.Alli, in a statement, expressed relief over their safe rescue and praised the security agencies for their coordinated efforts in securing their freedom.
He urged the security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of Nigerians travelling across the country.
The APC candidate also called for a thorough investigation into the abduction, urging security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
Alli stressed the need for sustained security vigilance, particularly along major highways and other vulnerable routes, to prevent criminal elements from carrying out further attacks on travellers.
He also commended the families of the rescued prospective corps members for their patience and resilience throughout the ordeal, while urging continued support for efforts to strengthen security across the country.
