20 Prospective Corps Members Rescued After Six Days in Imo

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have been rescued after six days in captivity.

The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when gunmen attacked their buses along the Owerri Onitsha Road on October 1.

The two buses were intercepted near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

The victims were rescued on Wednesday at Amakohia Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area after sustained search and rescue operations by the police, military, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the victims had been taken for medical assessment and necessary care.

“The victims were rescued on 7th October 2026 at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search and rescue operations,” Iniedu said.

He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest those responsible for the abduction as security agencies continued coordinated operations.

The victims are receiving treatment at the DSS Hospital in Owerri, where NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited them.

An additional civilian who was abducted alongside the prospective corps members was also rescued, according to multiple reports.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, praised the security agencies for their cooperation and efforts in securing the victims’ release.

He said the government deliberately kept details of the operation private because of the need to protect the lives of the captives.

Authorities have not disclosed whether any suspect has been arrested or whether ransom was paid.