Troops of Operation UDO KA have successfully rescued eight prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted by gunmen along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Imo State. The abduction occurred on Thursday when gunmen intercepted two commercial buses carrying 30 passengers at Umonuwa village in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported that 20 persons, including several prospective corps members, were taken.
The rescue operation, conducted by troops alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Air Force, resulted in the safe release of ten passengers, including the eight prospective corps members. They were found unharmed. The DHQ stated that a joint search-and-rescue operation is ongoing to locate the remaining abductees. This incident occurred as prospective corps members were traveling to various orientation camps for the 2026 Batch C Stream One exercise.
According to Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops have sustained operations against terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The operations are yielding positive results, with recent successes recorded in various regions. The efforts aim to enhance security and ensure the safe passage of citizens.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI achieved a significant breakthrough with the surrender of four terrorists and their associates in Borno State. Additionally, suspected terrorist collaborators were arrested in Borno and Yobe states. These arrests and surrenders are part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism in the region.
On October 1, troops, supported by the Air Component, neutralized five terrorists during coordinated operations in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The troops also recovered several weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one Dane gun, six AK-47 magazines, and a belt of pump-action cartridges. These operations reflect the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism.
In other regions, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central rescued three persons suspected to have been released by kidnappers in Gbise community, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The victims reported being abducted in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. This has prompted efforts to track the kidnap syndicate.
Troops also achieved successes in the South-South and South-East regions. In the South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE rescued NDLEA personnel who were mobbed and disarmed by residents of Ekureku community in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. In the South-East, troops rescued three persons abducted from the Osakwa area of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and neutralized 10 terrorists.
Key points
- Nigerian troops rescue 8 prospective NYSC members abducted in Imo State
- Operations yield successes across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
- Troops continue search-and-rescue operations for remaining abductees
