Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members who were abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom after spending seven days in captivity.
The graduates were kidnapped on October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha road in the Umunoha area of Imo State while travelling in two buses with other prospective corps members.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed their release in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims were rescued through a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
According to the police, the 20 victims were rescued at about 4:28pm at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations by security personnel.
The victims were subsequently taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.
“Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members who were abducted in Imo State on 1st October, 2026,” Iniedu said.
He added that security agencies were intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the masterminds of the abduction, who remained at large as of Wednesday.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and support and reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and the prompt response to threats to public safety,” the statement added.
The police said further information on the incident would be made available as the investigation progresses.
Olubadan Confirms Release
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the abducted graduates.
Ladoja said Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, informed him of the development during a telephone conversation at about 5pm on Wednesday.
“The kidnapped graduates have been released,” the monarch said in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan.
The development brought relief to the families of the victims, who had spent days appealing for government intervention and the safe return of their children.
One of the parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed happiness over the news but said the families were still overwhelmed and wanted to establish direct contact with the victims before making further comments.
“We are extremely overwhelmed. We received the news with happiness. Let’s see them first or speak with them on the telephone,” she said.
Uzodimma Explains Discreet Rescue Operation
Governor Uzodimma commended the security agencies for what he described as their swift, coordinated and discreet intervention in securing the release of the prospective corps members.
In a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday, the governor explained that the state government deliberately avoided making detailed public disclosures during the operation to prevent information that could compromise the rescue effort.
“Because the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public; hence the discreet manner in which it was handled,” Uzodimma said.
He expressed particular appreciation to the security agencies for their collaborative efforts and urged Nigerians to continue to have confidence in the Federal Government and its efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges.
The governor also thanked the parents and relatives of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the period of uncertainty.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property while promoting peace and security across Imo State.
Imo APC Commends Security Agencies
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also welcomed the safe release of the 20 prospective corps members.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, described the rescue as a major relief for the victims’ families and commended the security personnel involved in the operation.
“We rejoice with the family and relatives of these young patriots for their successful rescue, and commend all the gallant security personnel who took part in this audacious and well-coordinated rescue operation for their professionalism, bravery and patriotism,” he said.
The party assured that efforts would continue to ensure that those responsible for the abduction were apprehended and brought to justice.
Kidnappers Demanded N1bn Ransom
The 20 victims were among 30 graduates travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to an NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen intercepted their vehicles in Imo State.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded N50m for each victim, putting the initial ransom demand at N1bn.
The demand was later reduced to N5m per victim, bringing the total ransom request to N100m.
The victims’ parents subsequently appealed to Oba Ladoja, the Imo State Government and relevant security authorities to intensify efforts to secure their children’s safe release.
Their eventual rescue after seven days in captivity has brought an end to the immediate ordeal, although security agencies are still working to track down the perpetrators and establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
