Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members kidnapped while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have been rescued after spending seven days in captivity.
The victims were abducted on October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling in two buses from Ibadan.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed their release on Wednesday, saying the victims were rescued at about 4:28 p.m. in Amakohia Ubi Village following sustained and coordinated search-and-rescue operations involving multiple security agencies.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said the operation was carried out by the police in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
“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 police said.
The victims were subsequently taken for medical examinations and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.
However, no arrests have been announced, as the suspected abductors remain at large.
Iniedu said security agencies had intensified efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
“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,” the statement added.
The police said further information would be released as developments emerge.
Olubadan Confirms Release
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the abducted graduates.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch said Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma confirmed the development during a telephone conversation at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
“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),” Ladoja said.
A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief but said the families were waiting to see or speak with their loved ones before making further comments.
“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 Explains Discreet Rescue Operation
Governor Uzodimma commended the security agencies for their coordinated efforts, saying the state government deliberately kept details of the operation confidential to avoid jeopardising the rescue mission.
He said the discreet approach was necessary because the safety of the abducted corps members remained the government’s priority.
“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 gratitude to the security agencies for what he described as their professional and collaborative handling of the crisis.
He also commended the parents and relatives of the victims for their patience and understanding during the ordeal.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue supporting measures aimed at protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across Imo State.
APC Commends Security Agencies
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also welcomed the safe rescue of the prospective corps members.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, praised the security personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a demonstration of professionalism, courage and patriotism.
“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,” he said.
The party said it expected security agencies to continue pursuing the perpetrators and ensure the safety of residents and travellers across the state.
Ransom Demands
The victims were among 30 graduates travelling from Ibadan to an NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen attacked their buses.
The abductors initially reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion, before reducing the demand to N5 million per person, or N100 million for all 20 hostages.
The victims’ families had subsequently appealed to Oba Ladoja and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
The successful rescue brings an end to the seven-day ordeal, although security agencies are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those behind the abduction.
