On October 7, 2026, the police successfully rescued 20 abducted prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one other individual in Imo State. The victims were kidnapped on October 1 while traveling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. They were abducted near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving various security agencies. The victims were located in the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. Following their rescue, they were taken to the Department of State Services (DSS) Hospital in Owerri, where they are receiving medical attention and undergoing necessary medical checks.
Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, visited the DSS Clinic in Owerri to address the rescued victims. He was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS, and the Brigade Commander of 34 artillery in Imo State. The visit aimed to provide support and assurance to the rescued victims.
The Imo State Police Command played a crucial role in the rescue operation. According to the police, operatives had located the kidnappers' camp through drone surveillance but were initially unable to enter the location due to the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additional operational assets, including bulldozers and armored personnel carriers, were deployed to intensify efforts to reach the victims.
The abduction had triggered anxiety among the victims' families, particularly after reports emerged that the abductors were demanding ₦50 million for each victim. However, details of the operation, including any arrests made or ransom paid, have not been made public. The police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The rescue operation brings an end to the ordeal of the 20 corps members and the other abducted victim, who are now reunited with safety and receiving medical attention in Owerri. The incident highlights the risks faced by prospective NYSC members traveling to orientation camps and the importance of coordinated security efforts to ensure their safety.
The police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to bring all culpable persons to justice. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, the police and other security agencies are sustaining coordinated operations to apprehend the perpetrators of the abduction.
Key points
- 21 abducted prospective NYSC members were rescued in Imo State.
- The victims were kidnapped on October 1 while traveling to NYSC orientation camps.
- The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving various security agencies.
