Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one other victim abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after a coordinated security operation.

The victims were rescued from the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area and taken to the Department of State Services (DSS) Hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the rescued victims at the DSS clinic. He was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS and the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Imo.

The victims were abducted on October 1 while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The two buses carrying the prospective corps members were attacked near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

Following the incident, security agencies launched a search-and-rescue operation. Police later located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately access the area after discovering that it had reportedly been mined with improvised explosive devices.

Additional operational assets, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, were subsequently deployed as security agencies intensified efforts to reach the victims.

Police had earlier confirmed the rescue of 10 victims, while operations continued to locate the remaining abductees.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, said security agencies were still working to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

Details of the rescue operation, including whether any arrests were made or ransom was paid, have not been disclosed.

The abduction had caused concern among the victims’ families following reports that the kidnappers demanded ₦50 million for each victim.

Uzodimma Commends Security Agencies

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma commended the security agencies for securing the release of the 20 corps members.

Uzodimma also praised the collaboration between the Imo and Oyo State governments, saying the discreet handling of the operation was necessary because it involved the safety of human lives.

The governor thanked the parents of the victims for their patience during the ordeal and commended the security agencies for their coordinated efforts.

The development brings the ordeal of the abducted corps members and the other victim to an end, with all 21 now receiving medical attention in Owerri.