The Imo State Police Command has successfully rescued 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted by armed assailants along the Owerri-Onitsha Road on Thursday, October 1. The incident occurred while the corps members were traveling in commercial buses from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria.

According to a statement from the police spokesperson, SP Henry Okoye, the command acted swiftly in collaboration with other security agencies. Tactical teams and operational assets were deployed immediately to conduct rescue operations and apprehend the suspected kidnappers.

SP Okoye confirmed that following the prompt response from the police and allied security forces, both buses involved in the abduction were recovered. He stated that the rescued corps members are now in safe hands and receiving necessary care.

The police are currently verifying the total number of individuals abducted during the incident, with updates expected to be released once the figures are confirmed. In addition, ongoing search and rescue operations are being conducted, leveraging intelligence-led tracking to locate the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

The abduction of corps members has raised concerns about security along major highways in the region, prompting calls for increased vigilance and protective measures for travelers. Authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent similar incidents in the future.