The Imo state police command has confirmed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among those abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway on Thursday morning, October 1, 2026. According to police spokesperson Okoye Henry, 10 of the victims had been rescued and were in safe hands. The incident occurred around 6:30 am, with gunmen attacking two 18-seater buses carrying passengers and taking them into the bush.
The buses, branded with the Abia state government logo, were traveling to Akwa Ibom and Abia states when the attackers intercepted the vehicles and robbed the passengers. A viral video circulated on social media showed the victims being taken into the bush. The police statement confirmed that the buses were carrying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively.
The police command reported that a swift response by the police and other security agencies led to the recovery of both buses and the rescue of 10 victims. The rescued victims are being attended to, and the police are working to verify the exact number of persons abducted. The commissioner of police in Imo, alongside other service commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give operational direction.
The police command is conducting coordinated search and rescue operations, backed by intelligence, to track the suspects and rescue the remaining victims. The affected section of the expressway has been reopened, and traffic is flowing, while security personnel remain deployed to protect commuters. The command has appealed for calm and urged the public to remain vigilant, reporting any credible information to the nearest police station or contact the command's emergency lines.
The police are working with the NYSC directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who will be kept informed as the situation develops. The command has assured the public that it will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice. Anyone with information is encouraged to report, with all information treated in confidence.
The incident has caused tension in the area, with commuters and residents expressing concern about the security situation on the Owerri-Onitsha road. The police have deployed personnel to the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of commuters. The incident is a reminder of the security challenges facing the country and the need for continued vigilance.
The Imo state police command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and preventing crime in the state. The command has urged the public to cooperate with the police and provide information that can help prevent and combat crime. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the police working to identify the suspects and bring them to justice.
Key points
- 10 victims rescued, NYSC members among abducted passengers on Owerri-Onitsha road
- Police confirm incident occurred around 6:30 am on October 1, 2026
- Investigation ongoing, with police working to identify suspects and rescue remaining victims
