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.”
Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has commended the security agencies for what he described as their swift intervention that led to the safe release of the prospective 20 youth corps members.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, the governor said the state government deliberately adopted a discreet and coordinated approach to avoid releasing too much information to the public that could jeopardise the investigations.
He urged Nigerians to have faith in the Federal Government to overcome the security challenges facing the country.
According to him, the discreet and coordinated approach adopted by the security agencies was necessary to ensure the safe return of the victims.
‘’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.”
The governor said he was “particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they tackled the challenge.”
Further, Uzodimma appreciated the parents and families of the prospective corps members for their patience and understanding throughout the difficult period.
He assured that the government would continue to support measures aimed at protecting the lives and property of citizens and ensuring peace across the country.
Meanwhile, the Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has lauded the safe return of the prospective corps members.
Publicity Secretary for Imo APC, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, in a statement, stated, ‘’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.”
The party reassured that the government would relentlessly pursue the perpetrators and ensure that the state remains safe both for residents and travellers.
The PUNCH reported that 20 of 30 graduates, who were travelling in two buses from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camp in Abia State, were kidnapped by suspected gunmen.
The abductors demanded N50 million each for the victims, amounting to N1 billion. They later reduced the ransom to N5 million per person, totalling N100 million.
The victims’ parents had appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the government for the rescue of their children.
Source: punchng.com
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