Security forces have rescued 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and a civilian following a major operation against suspected kidnappers in Imo State.
The rescue operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, following the abduction of prospective corps members along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South when gunmen intercepted two commercial buses around Umunoha in Imo State on October 1.
Security agencies subsequently launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, deploying tactical teams and intelligence-led tracking to locate the abductors and their victims. Earlier reports said some of the victims had already been rescued, while security operatives continued efforts to locate those still missing.
The operation was intensified after intelligence agencies reportedly traced the suspected kidnappers to a hideout in the bush. Police had earlier said the location was believed to have been planted with improvised explosive devices, forcing security forces to exercise caution before advancing into the area.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had also deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, alongside additional police commanders, to coordinate the rescue efforts in the state.
The successful operation represents a significant breakthrough in the security agencies’ efforts to rescue the abducted prospective corps members and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The latest development could not be independently verified from the official security agencies at the time of writing. Earlier official and media reports had given differing figures concerning those rescued and those still in captivity.
