All 20 abducted prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members kidnapped while travelling from Oyo State to their Abia State orientation camps have finally been released. The kidnapped NYSC members their freedom seven days after gunmen intercepted their vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.
Following the dramatic turn of events, the kidnapped NYSC members freed in the operation are currently undergoing medical treatment at the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri, marking a pivotal moment in ongoing Imo State security operations.
NYSC Director-General Assesses Owerri Facility
Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, NYSC Director-General visited the hospital to assess the condition of the survivors and offer direct support. He joined key regional security chiefs on-site, including the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade. During the high-level meeting, Nafiu spoke directly with the rescued travellers.
Isiah Akpan, Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, confirmed the release on Wednesday. However, official sources have not yet revealed specific details regarding whether security forces made arrests or if money changed hands before the NYSC rescue Owerri medical evaluation began.
Drone Surveillance and Heavy Explosives Challenge Security Forces
The 20 graduates left Ibadan on Thursday in two separate buses before gunmen ambushed them on the highway. The abductors initially demanded N50 million for each victim, totaling N1 billion, before lowering the figure to N5 million per person, or N100 million in total.
Security agencies launched an immediate search operation to track down the gang. Operatives located the hideout using drone surveillance, but improvised explosive devices planted around the camp perimeter blocked their initial advance. Security teams subsequently deployed bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers to clear the dangerous terrain and secure the area.
Police had previously brought ten victims to safety, while search parties continued tracking the remaining group through the dense forests.
State Leadership Commends Discreet Joint Operations
The kidnapped NYSC members freed in the rescue drive, alongside an additional civilian victim, are safely receiving professional medical attention.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma praised the security forces for their brave work and professional dedication. The governor “praised the personnel for what he described as their cooperation and patriotism in ensuring that the corps members were brought out safely.”
In an official statement signed directly by Uzodimma, the governor highlighted the coordinated work between the Oyo and Imo State governments. He noted that official channels intentionally kept operational details quiet to protect the lives of the hostages while teams worked in the field.
Uzodimma thanked the security forces for their discreet handling of the complex mission. He also praised the families for their patient dignity during the ordeal and urged citizens to back federal anti-crime measures across the region.
