A coordinated, intelligence-led operation by Nigerian security agencies has ended a week-long ordeal for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one civilian abducted in Imo State, authorities confirmed.
The victims were freed around 4:28 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue efforts by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Military, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Ani Iniedu, announced the breakthrough in an official statement detailing the inter-agency operation.
"The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members abducted in Imo State on 1st October 2026," Iniedu said. "The victims were rescued on 7th October 2026 at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations. They have since been taken for medical assessment and necessary care."
Iniedu emphasised that the manhunt for the kidnappers remains active, stating that "efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, as the Police and other security agencies sustain coordinated operations towards bringing all culpable persons to justice." He also commended the public for providing vital cooperation and intelligence throughout the crisis.
The prospective corps members were traveling in two commercial buses when gunmen ambushed them on October 1 near Umunoha along the Owerri–Onitsha expressway in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area. While ten travellers were freed immediately after the initial attack, the abductors marched 20 prospective corps members and a civilian into the forest, later demanding a ransom of ₦50 million per person.
Investigators located the kidnappers' hideout through aerial drone reconnaissance, though the initial ground approach was delayed after security forces discovered the perimeter had been rigged with improvised explosive devices. Tactical units eventually cleared the terrain using heavy armored personnel carriers and earthmoving equipment.
All 21 rescued individuals were evacuated to the DSS Hospital in Owerri for comprehensive medical evaluations and psychosocial support before being reunited with their families.
