All 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members kidnapped in Imo State while traveling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have been safely freed.
The victims were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. They regained their freedom after seven days following a joint search-and-rescue operation conducted at Amakohia Ubi Village by the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, and other security organizations.
Although details of the rescue operation remain undisclosed and no arrests have been announced, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed that the victims were taken for medical checks and care.
The official police statement confirmed the rescue: “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. Following their safe recovery, the victims have been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.”
Iniedu added that security agencies have intensified operations to track down and apprehend the abductors, stating: “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.”
Confirming the release, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, spoke through a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko: “The kidnapped graduates have been released. The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, confirmed this in a telephone conversation at about 5.00 pm today (Wednesday).”
Reacting to the news, Alhaja Alimot Akande, a parent of one of the victims, expressed her relief: “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.”
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma commended the joint task force for their swift response. In a personally signed statement, he explained that the state government intentionally adopted a low-profile approach to avoid compromising security operations.
“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,” Uzodimma stated. He noted that he was “particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they tackled the challenge.” He also praised the families of the victims for their patience and urged citizens to keep faith in the Federal Government’s ability to address security threats.
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also praised the rescue. In a statement, APC Publicity Secretary Dr. Jones Onwuasoanya said: “We rejoice with the family and relatives of these young patriots for their successful rescue, and commend all the gallant security personnel who took part in this audacious and well-coordinated rescue operation for their professionalism, bravery and patriotism.”
The victims were part of a group of 30 graduates traveling in two buses from Ibadan to Abia State when gunmen intercepted them. The abductors initially demanded N50 million for each victim, totaling N1 billion, before later lowering the demand to N5 million per person, totaling N100 million, prompting the families to seek intervention from the government and traditional leaders.
