The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity.
The graduates were kidnapped on October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling in two buses from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camp.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed their safe rescue in a statement issued on Wednesday. He said the victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention following their recovery.
The prospective corps members were rescued at about 4:28pm at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State after sustained and coordinated search-and-rescue operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
“Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members who were abducted in Imo State on 1st October, 2026,” the police statement said.
The police confirmed that the victims were receiving medical attention but did not disclose details of the operation that led to their release.
Security agencies are still pursuing the perpetrators, who remain at large. Iniedu said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the masterminds and bring them to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and support and reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and the prompt response to threats to public safety,” the statement added.
Olubadan Confirms Release
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the kidnapped graduates.
Ladoja said Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, informed him of the development during a telephone conversation at about 5pm on Wednesday.
“The kidnapped graduates have been released,” the Olubadan said in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan.
A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the development but said the families wanted to first see or speak with their loved ones before making further comments.
“We received the news with happiness. I cannot say anything for now, please. We are truly happy. Let’s see them first or speak with them on the telephone,” she said.
Uzodimma Commends Security Agencies
Governor Hope Uzodimma commended the security agencies for their role in securing the safe release of the 20 prospective corps members.
In a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday, the governor explained that the state government deliberately adopted a discreet and coordinated approach during the operation to avoid releasing information that could jeopardise the rescue effort.
“Because the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public; hence the discreet manner in which it was handled,” Uzodimma said.
He expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their collaborative efforts and also thanked the parents and families of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue supporting measures aimed at protecting lives and property and promoting peace across Imo State and Nigeria.
Imo APC Celebrates Safe Rescue
The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also welcomed the safe return of the prospective corps members.
The party’s publicity secretary, Dr Jones Onwuasoanya, commended the security personnel involved in the rescue operation, describing their efforts as professional, brave and patriotic.
The party also pledged its support for efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and ensure the safety of residents and travellers across the state.
N1 Billion Ransom Demand
The 20 prospective corps members were among 30 graduates travelling from Ibadan to the NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen reportedly abducted them.
According to reports, the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each victim, bringing the total ransom demand to N1 billion.
The abductors later reduced the demand to N5 million per person, amounting to N100 million for the 20 victims.
The victims’ families had subsequently appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Their safe recovery after seven days in captivity brings an end to a tense period for their families, while security agencies continue efforts to identify and arrest those behind the abduction.