By David Oluwatosin
Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom, seven days after they were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The victims were rescued at about 4:28pm on Wednesday at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained and coordinated search-and-rescue operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the development in a statement, saying the rescued victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.
“Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members who were abducted in Imo State on 1st October, 2026,” the statement said.
“Following their safe recovery, the victims have been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.”
The police, however, did not disclose details of the operation or confirm whether any of the suspected kidnappers had been arrested. The perpetrators are believed to remain at large.
Iniedu said security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend the masterminds of the abduction and bring them to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and support and reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and the prompt response to threats to public safety,” he added.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the victims, saying the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, informed him of their freedom during a telephone conversation at about 5pm on Wednesday.
Ladoja disclosed this in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko.
A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the development but said the family was still waiting to see or speak with the abducted graduate.
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“We cannot say anything for now. We are extremely overwhelmed. We received the news with happiness. I cannot say anything for now, please. We are truly happy. Let’s see them first or speak with them on the telephone,” she said.
Uzodimma: Discreet operation secured victims’ release
Governor Uzodimma commended the security agencies for what he described as their swift and coordinated intervention, explaining that the state government deliberately avoided making sensitive information public during the rescue effort.
According to him, the discreet approach was adopted to prevent the release of information that could jeopardise the operation or endanger the lives of the victims.
“Because the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public; hence the discreet manner in which it was handled,” the governor said.
Uzodimma expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their collaborative efforts and also thanked the parents and families of the prospective corps members for their patience and understanding during the ordeal.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the state.
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also welcomed the rescue, commending the security personnel involved in the operation.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, described the operation as “audacious and well-coordinated,” praising the security personnel for their professionalism, bravery and patriotism.
The party also pledged continued support for efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safety of residents and travellers across the state.
The 20 victims were among 30 graduates travelling in two buses from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen reportedly attacked their convoy along the Owerri-Onitsha Road on October 1.
The abductors were initially reported to have demanded a ransom of N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion, before reportedly reducing the demand to N5 million per person, bringing the total ransom demand to N100 million.
The victims’ families had subsequently appealed to the Olubadan and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Their safe recovery brings an end to seven days of uncertainty for the families, while security agencies continue efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction.
