Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation involving the military, Department of State Services (DSS), police and other security agencies.
The victims were among passengers kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South. One other hostage was also reportedly rescued during the operation.
The abduction occurred on October 1 when gunmen reportedly attacked two buses near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. The incident triggered a joint search-and-rescue operation as security agencies worked to locate the abductors and secure the release of those held captive.
The rescue brings relief to the families of the prospective corps members, who had expressed concern about their safety following reports that the abductors were demanding ransom. Earlier reports said the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each victim before reducing the amount to N5 million per person.
Security sources said the rescued victims are receiving medical attention at a DSS facility. Authorities are also expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and continue efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The development is significant because the incident had raised fresh concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling to fulfil their compulsory national service obligations. It also highlighted security challenges along major highways connecting different parts of the country.
Before the breakthrough, security agencies had reportedly located the suspected kidnappers’ hideout but faced delays because of intelligence indicating that the area could have been planted with improvised explosive devices.
The Imo incident adds to continuing concerns over kidnapping and highway insecurity in Nigeria. The latest rescue is expected to renew calls for stronger security measures to protect travellers and prospective NYSC members moving between states.
