Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after spending seven days in captivity.
The victims were travelling from Oyo State to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road on October 1, 2026.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed on Wednesday that the 20 prospective corps members had been rescued through a coordinated operation involving the police and other security agencies.
The victims were rescued at about 4:28pm at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the rescued victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.
The police did not provide details of the operation but said efforts were continuing to apprehend the masterminds of the abduction.
The rescue operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
The development brings relief to the families of the young graduates, who had spent days waiting for their safe return.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release, saying Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma had informed him of the development.
A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief but said the families wanted to see and speak with their children before making further comments.
Governor commends security agencies
Uzodimma commended the security agencies for the successful operation and said the state government deliberately adopted a discreet approach to avoid compromising the rescue mission.
He said the sensitive nature of the operation required authorities to limit information released publicly while efforts were underway to secure the victims.
The governor thanked the security agencies for their coordinated response and commended the parents and families of the victims for their patience throughout the ordeal.
Kidnappers demanded ransom
The abduction had triggered widespread concern after the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom for the prospective corps members.
Earlier reports said the abductors initially demanded N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion. The demand was later reduced to N5 million per person, bringing the reported total to N100 million.
The victims had been travelling in two buses from Ibadan when gunmen reportedly intercepted the vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha route.
Security agencies subsequently launched a search operation.
At one stage, police said they had located the suspected kidnappers' camp using drone surveillance but were unable to immediately raid the location because intelligence indicated that improvised explosive devices had been planted around the area.
Additional equipment was reportedly brought in to help security personnel access the area safely.
The successful rescue of the victims followed several days of sustained operations.
Police hunt abductors
Although all 20 prospective corps members have now regained their freedom, the suspected abductors remain at large.
The police said operations had been intensified to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
The Force Public Relations Officer said further updates would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
The incident had raised fresh concerns over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to NYSC orientation camps.
The rescue therefore brings an end to the immediate ordeal of the abducted graduates, but security agencies are still expected to establish how the attack occurred, identify those responsible and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The victims were travelling from Oyo State to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road on October 1, 2026.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed on Wednesday that the 20 prospective corps members had been rescued through a coordinated operation involving the police and other security agencies.
The victims were rescued at about 4:28pm at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the rescued victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.
The police did not provide details of the operation but said efforts were continuing to apprehend the masterminds of the abduction.
The rescue operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
The development brings relief to the families of the young graduates, who had spent days waiting for their safe return.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release, saying Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma had informed him of the development.
A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief but said the families wanted to see and speak with their children before making further comments.
Governor commends security agencies
Uzodimma commended the security agencies for the successful operation and said the state government deliberately adopted a discreet approach to avoid compromising the rescue mission.
He said the sensitive nature of the operation required authorities to limit information released publicly while efforts were underway to secure the victims.
The governor thanked the security agencies for their coordinated response and commended the parents and families of the victims for their patience throughout the ordeal.
Kidnappers demanded ransom
The abduction had triggered widespread concern after the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom for the prospective corps members.
Earlier reports said the abductors initially demanded N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion. The demand was later reduced to N5 million per person, bringing the reported total to N100 million.
The victims had been travelling in two buses from Ibadan when gunmen reportedly intercepted the vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha route.
Security agencies subsequently launched a search operation.
At one stage, police said they had located the suspected kidnappers' camp using drone surveillance but were unable to immediately raid the location because intelligence indicated that improvised explosive devices had been planted around the area.
Additional equipment was reportedly brought in to help security personnel access the area safely.
The successful rescue of the victims followed several days of sustained operations.
Police hunt abductors
Although all 20 prospective corps members have now regained their freedom, the suspected abductors remain at large.
The police said operations had been intensified to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
The Force Public Relations Officer said further updates would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
The incident had raised fresh concerns over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to NYSC orientation camps.
The rescue therefore brings an end to the immediate ordeal of the abducted graduates, but security agencies are still expected to establish how the attack occurred, identify those responsible and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Filed under
#NYSC
#Imo State
#Kidnapping
#Police
#Security
#Corps Members
#Oyo State
#Abduction
#Nigeria
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Summary
Twenty prospective NYSC members abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity. Security agencies rescued the victims in a coordinated operation, while police continue efforts to apprehend the suspected abductors. Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after spending seven days in captivity.The victims were...
Key takeaways
- Twenty prospective NYSC members abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity.
- Security agencies rescued the victims in a coordinated operation, while police continue efforts to apprehend the suspected abductors.
- Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after spending seven days in captivity.The victims were travelling from Oyo State to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road on October 1, 2026.The Nigeria Police Force confirmed on Wednesday that the 20 prospective corps members had been rescued through a coordinated operation involving the police and other security agencies.The victims were rescued at about 4:28pm at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations.The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the rescued victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.The police did not provide details of the operation but said efforts were continuing to apprehend the masterminds of the abduction.The rescue operation involved the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.The development brings relief to the families of the young graduates, who had spent days waiting for their safe return.The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release, saying Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma had informed him of the development.A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief but said the families wanted to see and speak with their children before making further comments.Governor commends security agenciesUzodimma commended the security agencies for the successful operation and said the state government deliberately adopted a discreet approach to avoid compromising the rescue mission.He said the sensitive nature of the operation required authorities to limit information released publicly while efforts were underway to secure the victims.The governor thanked the security agencies for their coordinated response and commended the parents and families of the victims for their patience throughout the ordeal.Kidnappers demanded ransomThe abduction had triggered widespread concern after the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom for the prospective corps members.Earlier reports said the abductors initially demanded N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion.
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Twenty prospective NYSC members abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity. Security agencies rescued the victims in a coordinated operation, while police continue efforts to apprehend the suspected abductors. Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after spending seven days in captivity.The victims were...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 8, 2026
