morgANABLE News/security& justice
The details of the operation remained undisclosed as of Wednesday night, with authorities maintaining that releasing sensitive information could affect ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators
KaNo—
The 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps 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 on Wednesday at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations by security agencies.
The rescue was carried out by a joint team involving operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
The details of the operation remained undisclosed as of Wednesday night, with authorities maintaining that releasing sensitive information could affect ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.
He said the prospective corps members were rescued at about 4:28pm after security agencies intensified coordinated operations to locate them.
The police statement read, “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 victims were subsequently taken for medical assessment as part of the post-rescue process.
“Following their safe recovery, the victims have been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process,” the statement added.
The police did not disclose whether any of the abductors had been arrested.
Iniedu, however, said security agencies had intensified operations to identify and apprehend those behind the abduction.
He said the police remained committed to ensuring that the masterminds of the incident were brought to justice.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the masterminds of the abduction, as the police and other security agencies have intensified operations to bring them to justice,” he stated.
The Force spokesman also thanked members of the public for their cooperation and support during the search for the victims.
He assured Nigerians that the police would continue to respond to threats to public safety and protect lives and property.
The rescue came as a major relief to the families of the abducted graduates, who had spent a week seeking the safe return of their loved ones.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, confirmed the release of the victims, saying the development was communicated to him by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.
“The kidnapped graduates have been released. The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, confirmed this in a telephone conversation at about 5.00pm today (Wednesday),” Ladoja said.
The Olubadan made the disclosure in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan.
A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the news but said the families were still waiting to see or speak with their children before making further comments.
“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, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, commended the security agencies involved in the rescue operation.
The governor said his administration deliberately adopted a discreet and coordinated approach throughout the crisis to prevent the release of information that could jeopardise the investigation or put the victims at greater risk.
“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,” he said.
Uzodimma expressed appreciation to the security agencies for what he described as their collaborative handling of the incident.
He also thanked the parents and families of the abducted prospective corps members for their patience and understanding during the difficult period.
The governor urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts to address security challenges across the country.
He assured residents that the state government would continue to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property and maintaining peace.
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also welcomed the release of the victims and commended the security personnel who participated in the operation.
The party’s publicity secretary, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, said the APC shared in the relief of the families and relatives of the rescued graduates.
“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 also said the perpetrators should be pursued and brought to justice, while expressing confidence that security agencies would continue efforts to improve safety for residents and travellers in the state.
The 20 graduates were among 30 prospective corps members travelling in two buses from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen intercepted them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded N50m for each victim, putting the initial ransom demand at N1bn.
The demand was later reduced to N5m per victim, bringing the total ransom being sought to N100m.
The development had caused anxiety among the victims’ families, who appealed to traditional authorities and government officials to intensify efforts to secure their release.
The latest development brings relief to the affected families, although security agencies are still searching for the suspected abductors.
The police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses, while the rescued graduates remain under medical observation following their release.
