The Nigerian military, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, has successfully rescued 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted in Imo State. The group, along with a civilian, spent a week in captivity after being taken on October 1 near Umunoha while en route to their orientation camp.
Major-General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the rescue but did not provide additional details. A statement from the Nigeria Police indicated that the victims were freed around 4:28 PM on October 7 at Amakohia Ubi Village following a coordinated operation among various security agencies.
Upon their rescue, the victims were taken for medical examinations and care as part of post-rescue protocols. The police reported that efforts to capture the suspects behind the abduction are ongoing, emphasizing their commitment to public safety.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had previously deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Shehu Nadada to oversee the operation in Imo State, responding to pleas for urgent action from the victims’ families.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, praised the security forces for their swift and collaborative response, ensuring no harm came to the abducted corps members. He underscored the importance of discretion during the operation to protect security interests while acknowledging the patience of the victims’ families.
The rescue operation followed five days of careful planning and execution by security teams. Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of NYSC, met the rescued individuals at a DSS medical facility, accompanied by senior security officials.
