Police confirm rescue of 20 abducted NYSC prospective corps members in Imo

By James Ike

The Police have confirmed the rescue of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and another victim who were abducted along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Imo State.

The victims, who were kidnapped on October 1, 2026, at Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state, were rescued on Wednesday, October 7, at Amakohia Ubi Village following sustained search and rescue operations by security agencies.

A source who confirmed the development, said the rescued victims were currently receiving medical attention at the Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility in Owerri.

The source said the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, was at the DSS clinic in Owerri where he met with and addressed the rescued victims.

The NYSC DG was said to have been accompanied to the facility by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS in the state and the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze.

Governor Hope Uzodimma in his reaction commended security agencies for the successful operation that led to the release of the 20 prospective corps members.

Uzodimma also expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the Imo and Oyo State governments, as well as the security agencies, which he said contributed to the quick rescue of the victims.

The governor said he was particularly pleased with the “sound collaboration and patriotism” displayed by the security agencies in ensuring that the prospective corps members were rescued unharmed.

According to him, the government deliberately refrained from releasing detailed information about the incident because it involved the security and lives of the victims.

“Since 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,” he said.

Uzodimma further expressed gratitude to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they handled the incident, saying their efforts had resulted in the safe return of the victims.

He also commended the parents and relatives of the abducted prospective corps members for their patience and resilience throughout the period of uncertainty.

The governor urged Nigerians to continue to have faith in the Federal Government and security agencies in their efforts to tackle the security challenges confronting the country.