OWERRI, Nigeria — Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members and another person abducted by gunmen in Imo State have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity.
The victims were freed on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following a coordinated operation involving the military, Department of State Services, police, and other security agencies, according to security officials.
They were taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical examination and treatment.
Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, director-general of the National Youth Service Corps, visited the victims at the hospital alongside the Imo State commissioner of police, the state director of the DSS, and the commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade.
Abducted While Travelling to Orientation Camps
The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
They had been travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen intercepted two buses carrying them and other passengers.
The Imo State Police Command said the attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m.
Police initially rescued 10 people from the incident, while security agencies continued searching for those taken into the surrounding area.
The police subsequently deployed tactical teams and intelligence units, while Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu sent the deputy inspector-general of police in charge of operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo to coordinate the search.
Two additional commissioners of police were also deployed to assist the operation.
Kidnappers Reportedly Demanded Ransom
Families of those abducted had earlier said the kidnappers demanded large ransom payments.
Saturday Punch reported that the abductors initially sought a combined ₦950 million for 19 of the graduates.
Later reports said the demand had been reduced to ₦5 million per captive.
No official confirmation emerged that any ransom was paid before the victims regained their freedom.
Security authorities said the release followed an intelligence-led operation, but they had not publicly disclosed full operational details or announced arrests as of Wednesday evening.
Uzodimma Praises Security Agencies
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma praised the security agencies involved in securing the release.
He said cooperation among the agencies had helped ensure that the prospective corps members were brought out safely.
Uzodimma described their release as the result of coordinated security work and commended personnel involved in the operation for what he called their patriotism.
The governor also informed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, of the development by telephone, according to an aide. Many of the victims had begun their journey from Ibadan.
The release ends a week-long ordeal that had prompted concern among families and renewed scrutiny of insecurity along major roads used by young Nigerians travelling to NYSC orientation camps.
Authorities said investigations were continuing into the abduction and efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
