20 Abducted Corps Members Rescued in Imo State After Security Operation

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one other person who were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have been rescued. The victims were found in the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area following a coordinated effort by security agencies.

After their rescue, the victims were taken to the Department of State Services (DSS) Hospital in Owerri for medical attention and checks. Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, the Director-General of the NYSC, visited the victims at the DSS Clinic, accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police and other officials.

Details about the rescue operation, such as whether any kidnappers were arrested or if a ransom was paid, have not been disclosed. However, police spokesperson Ani Iniedu stated that efforts are ongoing to catch those responsible for the abduction.

The corps members were kidnapped on October 1 while traveling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Their buses were attacked near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

Following the abduction, security forces launched a search-and-rescue operation. The police reported that they located the kidnappers’ camp using drones but could not enter immediately due to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the area. Additional resources, including bulldozers and armored vehicles, were deployed to assist in the operation.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State praised the security agencies for their swift action in rescuing the corps members. He expressed gratitude for their teamwork and the cooperation between Oyo and Imo State governments. The Governor also thanked the families of the victims for their patience during the ordeal.