NYSC kidnap: 20 victims freed, police hunt abductors

 The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members kidnapped while travelling from Oyo State to the orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom.

They were freed seven days after they were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State.

The details of the rescue operation were unavailable, but the  Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.

The hostages were reportedly rescued by a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force, Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

The victims were rescued at about 4:28 pm on Wednesday at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, after sustained and coordinated search-and-rescue operations by the security agencies.

However, there was no information on the arrest of the perpetrators, who are at large.

The police statement read, “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.

‘’Following their safe recovery, the victims have been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.”

Iniedu further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the masterminds of the abduction, adding that the police and other security agencies had intensified operations to bring them to justice.

“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 updates would be communicated.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, confirmed the release of the captives, saying, “The kidnapped graduates have been released. The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, confirmed this in a telephone conversation at about 5.00 pm today (Wednesday).”

He stated this in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan.

A parent to one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said, “We cannot say anything for now. We are extremely overwhelmed. We received the news with happiness. I cannot say anything for now, please. We are truly happy. Let’s see them first or speak with them on the telephone.”