By Felix Mordi
The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has rescued the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State on Thursday, 1 October, 2026.
The victims were rescued on Wednesday, 7 October, 2026 at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State, the Force spokesperson (FPRO), CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed in a statement, stressing that their rescue was sequel to sustained search-and-rescue operations.
He said, “They have since been taken for medical assessment and necessary care,” adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, “as the Police and other security agencies sustain coordinated operations towards bringing all culpable persons to justice.”
The Nigeria Police Force appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and support, adding that it remains committed to the protection of lives and property, prompt response to security threats and continued collaboration with sister security agencies.
It would be recalled that, following the abduction, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, ordered an intensive search-and-rescue operation for the Corps members and other passengers by deploying the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State, to provide operational direction for the search-and-rescue mission.
In line with the directive, DIG Nadada arrived the state with two Commissioners of Police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and the search-and-rescue efforts of the Command CP, as well as reviewing the operational strategies, deployment of personnel, operational assets, and provided further directives to strengthen the coordinated response.
The assessment, according to the FPRO, was conducted alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso; Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; as well as other Service Commanders and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command.
The search-and-rescue operation was further intensified, with additional deployments of tactical teams and operational assets across identified areas, backed by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects.
”The Police are working in close coordination with sister security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and the apprehension of the perpetrators,” the FPRO then said, adding that DIG Nadada assured members of the public that the Nigeria Police Force was committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and would sustain the operation until the mission was successfully concluded.
The DIG urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant and encouraged anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to promptly contact the Police or the nearest security formation. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.
