In a swift operation, the Imo State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers who were abducted by gunmen during an attack on two commercial buses in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area. The incident occurred early Thursday morning at approximately 6:30 AM in a location referred to as "No Man’s Land". The buses were en route from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, when they were ambushed.

Among the victims were several serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), highlighting the growing concerns over the safety of travelers in the region. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and stated that while 10 victims have been rescued, the exact number of those abducted is still being verified.

Okoye reported that the rescued passengers are currently safe and receiving necessary medical attention. The police have intensified their efforts to locate and rescue any remaining victims still held by the abductors. He emphasized that the police command is conducting coordinated search-and-rescue operations, utilizing intelligence-led tracking to apprehend the suspects involved in the attack.

The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, along with other service commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to provide operational direction. Okoye reassured the public that the police would continue their operations until all victims are safely recovered and the perpetrators are brought to justice.

In a statement, the police command noted, "Following a swift response by the police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene. The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to."

The police are also collaborating with the NYSC Directorate to keep the families of the affected corps members informed about the situation. The affected section of the expressway has been reopened, and traffic is flowing normally. Security personnel remain deployed in the area to ensure the safety of commuters.

The police command has urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, encouraging anyone with credible information regarding the incident to report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines. All information will be treated with confidentiality, as the police continue their efforts to enhance security in the region.