The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have been rescued.
The victims regained their freedom seven days after they were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.
The details of the rescue operation were not immediately disclosed, but the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed their release in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Iniedu, the victims had been taken for medical examination and would receive the necessary medical attention following their rescue.
The prospective corps members were reportedly rescued at about 4:28 pm on Wednesday at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained and coordinated search-and-rescue efforts involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
The identities of those behind the abduction were not disclosed, and there was no information on any arrests as of the time of filing 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 were continuing efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction, adding that operations had been intensified to bring the perpetrators 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 also said additional information would be provided as the situation develops.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the victims, saying, “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 disclosed this 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 development but said the family preferred to wait until they had seen or spoken with the victims.
“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, praised the security agencies for what he described as their swift response, which resulted in the safe release of the 20 prospective corps members.
In a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday, Uzodimma explained that the state government deliberately kept details of the operation discreet to prevent the release of information that could compromise the investigation.
He called on Nigerians to continue trusting the Federal Government to tackle the country’s security challenges.
‘’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 ordeal.
He assured residents that the government would continue supporting efforts to protect lives and property while promoting peace across the state.
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also welcomed the successful rescue of the prospective corps members.
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 party said the government would continue pursuing those responsible for the abduction and work to ensure the safety of residents and travellers in the state.
NEWSCLICKNG had earlier reported that 20 of 30 graduates travelling in two buses from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camp in Abia State were abducted by suspected gunmen.
The abductors initially demanded N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion, before reportedly reducing the ransom to N5 million per person, totalling N100 million.
The victims’ parents had appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of their children.
