The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate an intensified search-and-rescue operation for 20 people abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims, including prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, were abducted on Thursday, October 1, after two buses were intercepted by suspected gunmen around Umunoha on the Owerri-Onitsha expressway. Police said the two buses were recovered and 10 people were rescued at the scene, while 20 others remained missing.
Nadada arrived in Imo with two Commissioners of Police and carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the operation. He also reviewed the deployment of personnel and operational assets before issuing fresh directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated rescue effort.
The assessment was conducted alongside Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso; Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force and other security commanders.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, additional tactical teams and operational resources have been deployed across identified areas, while intelligence-led tracking is being used to locate the suspected abductors and the victims.
The police said they were working with other security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted persons and arrest those responsible.
Nadada assured the public that the operation would continue until the 20 missing people are rescued. He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist the security agencies, assuring that such information would be treated confidentially.
