Joint Security Forces Rescue 20 NYSC Members, Civilian Abducted in Imo

Joint security forces comprising the military, Department of State Services (DSS), police and other security agencies have rescued 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one civilian abducted in Imo State.

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The victims were travelling from Ibadan to their respective NYSC orientation camps when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road around Umunoha, Imo State. The attackers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for each victim, amounting to ₦1 billion.

Security sources who confirmed the rescue operation said the victims are currently receiving medical attention at a DSS facility, while operatives continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and efforts to apprehend the suspects involved.

It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid before the victims were rescued. The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, had earlier confirmed the reported ransom demand.

The development comes after families of the abducted prospective corps members sought intervention from traditional and security authorities. The parents reportedly visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence, accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.

Representing the affected families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande said the abductors had contacted them through the mobile phones of the kidnapped prospective corps members. They had appealed for urgent intervention to secure the safe release of their children.