Police Rescue 20 Prospective Corps Members Abducted Along Owerri-Onitsha Expressway

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the successful rescue of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps who were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.

The corps members were reportedly kidnapped on Thursday, October 1, 2026, while travelling along the busy highway.

Their abduction had raised concerns among their families and members of the public, prompting security agencies to intensify efforts to locate them and secure their safe release.

The police confirmed on Wednesday, October 7, that all 20 victims had been rescued following sustained search-and-rescue operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the victims were located at Amakohia Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

Iniedu disclosed the development in a statement, explaining that the operation was the result of coordinated efforts by the police and sister security agencies working together to track down the abductors and rescue the victims.

He said the rescued corps members had been taken to a safe location where they were undergoing medical assessment and receiving the necessary care following their ordeal.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members abducted in Imo State on 1st October 2026,” the statement said.

The police explained that the victims were rescued on October 7 at Amakohia Ubi Village after security operatives sustained their search-and-rescue efforts for several days.

While confirming the successful rescue, the police said their operation had not ended, as efforts were still underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the abduction.

The Force Public Relations Officer assured that security agencies were maintaining coordinated operations to track the suspects and ensure that everyone found to be involved in the crime would face justice.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, as the Police and other security agencies sustain coordinated operations towards bringing all culpable persons to justice,” the statement added.

The police further appealed for continued cooperation from members of the public, particularly in providing useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing similar incidents and apprehending criminal elements.

The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country, responding promptly to security threats and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies.

The rescue of the 20 prospective corps members is expected to provide relief to their families and colleagues, who had been concerned about their safety since the abduction.

Authorities are now expected to focus on the ongoing investigation and efforts to arrest the perpetrators, while the rescued victims continue to receive medical and psychological attention after their experience.

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