The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among passengers abducted by suspected gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday morning.

Police spokesperson Okoye Henry said the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on October 1, 2026, near Umunoha, when two 18-seater buses travelling from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked.

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According to the police, security personnel responded swiftly to the attack, recovered both buses and rescued 10 victims. The rescued passengers were taken to safety and are receiving attention, while the exact number of people still in captivity was being verified.

“The incident occurred at about 0630hrs on 1st October, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha. Two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men,” Okoye said.

He added that coordinated search and rescue operations were continuing to locate any remaining victims and apprehend the attackers. The Commissioner of Police in Imo State and other security commanders also visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to coordinate the response.

The police said they were working with the NYSC directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and provide updates as the operation continues.

Meanwhile, the affected section of the expressway has been reopened to traffic, with security personnel deployed along the route to protect commuters.

The police appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist in locating the victims and suspects. The command said information supplied by members of the public would be treated confidentially.