20 NYSC Prospective Corps Members Rescued After Seven Days in Captivity as Uzodimma Hails Security Agencies

Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted while travelling through Imo State to their orientation camps, have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity.

The victims were rescued on Wednesday, October 7, following a sustained search-and-rescue operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), military and other security formations. The police subsequently confirmed the rescue, saying efforts were continuing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when the two buses conveying them came under attack on October 1. The incident occurred around the Umunoha/Ogbaku axis of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.

Following the attack, security agencies mounted a coordinated operation to locate the victims and their abductors. Earlier in the search, Imo State police authorities disclosed that drone surveillance had helped operatives identify the kidnappers’ suspected camp in a bush location.

However, the rescue operation faced additional risks after security intelligence indicated that the area had reportedly been booby-trapped with improvised explosive devices. Authorities subsequently intensified efforts and deployed additional operational resources as they worked to reach the abducted travellers.

The victims were eventually located at Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The police said they were rescued on October 7 after sustained operations conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies.

Following their release, the rescued corps members were taken to a DSS medical facility in Owerri for medical assessment and necessary care. The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, also visited the facility, accompanied by senior security officials, to meet with the rescued prospective corps members.

The rescue also involved one other abducted person, according to multiple reports. However, authorities have not publicly disclosed the identity of the additional victim or provided full details about the circumstances surrounding that person’s abduction and release.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies for what he described as a coordinated and discreet effort that culminated in the safe release of the victims. He also acknowledged the cooperation between the Imo and Oyo State governments during the crisis.

Uzodimma explained that authorities deliberately restricted information about the operation while it was ongoing because of the need to protect the lives of the abducted persons. He also praised the parents of the victims for their patience during the seven-day ordeal and expressed appreciation for the collaborative handling of the rescue effort.

With all 20 prospective corps members now safely recovered and receiving medical attention, security agencies have shifted attention towards identifying and apprehending those behind the attack. The police said coordinated operations would continue until those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.