Twenty prospective members of Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been released after being abducted for one week while traveling from Oyo State to orientation camps in Abia State. The release was facilitated by a joint operation involving the State Security Service (SSS), military personnel, and police operatives in Imo State. According to security sources, the rescued victims were taken to the SSS facility in Owerri, Imo State, for medical assessment and care.
The abduction occurred on October 1, 2026, at about 6:30 a.m. along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. The prospective NYSC members were traveling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom States. Initially, 10 victims were rescued at the scene following police intervention, while the remaining 10 were held captive. The police later confirmed that the abductors had demanded ₦1 billion before reducing it to ₦5 million per victim, totaling ₦100 million.
The Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, confirmed the release of the victims in a statement on Wednesday night. Mr. Iniedu stated that the prospective NYSC members were rescued by police operatives and other security agencies on October 7, 2026, at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State. He added that the victims were taken for medical assessment and necessary care following their rescue.
According to the police, the rescue operation was a result of sustained search-and-rescue efforts. The Nigeria Police Force has expressed appreciation for the public's cooperation and support, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property. The police also assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the abductors.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had earlier reported that the police had identified the location where the abducted NYSC members were being held. However, security agencies delayed moving into the location due to intelligence indicating that the camp had been mined with Improvised Explosive Devices.
The released victims were taken to the DSS Hospital in Owerri for treatment, according to a police operative. The joint operation that led to their release involved the SSS, military personnel, and police operatives in Imo State. The incident highlights the continued efforts of Nigerian security agencies to combat kidnapping and ensure the safety of citizens.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting lives and property, responding promptly to security threats, and collaborating with sister security agencies. The release of the abducted NYSC members is a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated operations between security agencies in Nigeria.
Key points
- The abducted NYSC members were released after a joint operation by the State Security Service, military personnel, and police operatives in Imo State.
- The abductors had initially demanded ₦1 billion before reducing it to ₦5 million per victim, totaling ₦100 million.
- The Nigeria Police Force has assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the abductors.
