The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were among passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday morning.
The command’s spokesperson, Okoye Henry, disclosed in a statement that 10 victims had so far been rescued.
Okoye said the number of people abducted had not yet been established, adding that the confirmed figure would be released after the verification process.
TheCable had reported that panic spread along the road early Thursday after gunmen attacked two 18-seater buses carrying passengers before taking them into the bush.
A video circulating on X showed that the passengers were travelling to Akwa Ibom and Abia states in buses bearing the Abia State Government logo. The attackers reportedly intercepted the vehicles and robbed the passengers before abducting them.
Okoye said the attack occurred at about 6:30am and confirmed that NYSC members were among those taken.
“The incident occurred at about 0630hrs on 1st October, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha. Two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men,” the statement reads.
“Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene.
“The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to. The exact number of persons abducted is being verified and will be made public once confirmed.”
The police spokesperson said security agencies were continuing coordinated search and rescue efforts, supported by intelligence aimed at locating the attackers and recovering the remaining victims.
He added that the Imo Commissioner of Police and other service commanders had inspected the scene to assess the situation and provide operational directives.
“He assured the public that the Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice,” Okoye said.
According to him, the command was also collaborating with the NYSC directorate to contact relatives of the affected corps members and provide them with updates as the operation continued.
He said the affected portion of the expressway had been reopened, with traffic moving normally, while security personnel remained stationed along the route to safeguard commuters.
The command urged residents and commuters to remain calm and vigilant, while asking anyone with useful information to contact the nearest police station or the command’s emergency lines.
“All information will be treated in confidence,” Okoye added.