20 Prospective Corps Members Regain Freedom After Seven Days In Imo Abduction

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped on October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed their release in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.

The prospective corps members were rescued at about 4:28 pm at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations by a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

The circumstances surrounding the rescue were not immediately disclosed. There was also no confirmation of any arrest in connection with the abduction, as the perpetrators were still at large as of the time of the report.

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.

‘’Following their safe recovery, the victims have been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.”

Iniedu said security agencies had intensified efforts to track down those responsible for 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,” the statement added.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the victims.

“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),” he said.

The statement was issued in Ibadan by his media aide, Adeola Oloko.

A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the development but said the families were still waiting to see or speak with their loved ones.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies for their intervention, saying the government deliberately maintained discretion during the operation to avoid compromising the rescue effort.

‘’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 he was “particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they tackled the challenge.”

Uzodimma also thanked the parents and relatives of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the period of the abduction.

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also welcomed the release.

The party’s 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 APC said efforts should continue to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.

The victims were among 30 graduates travelling in two buses from Ibadan to an NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen abducted 20 of them.

The abductors reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim before later reducing the ransom to N5 million per person, bringing the total demand to N100 million.

The victims’ families had earlier appealed to the Olubadan and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.