The Imo State Police Command has successfully rescued 10 individuals who were abducted by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
Security agencies have intensified their search-and-rescue operations to locate any remaining victims and track down the perpetrators behind the violent ambush.
The rescue operation followed a rapid response by a joint security team after armed men intercepted two buses conveying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers.
The assault took place at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thursday near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.
According to police spokesperson Henry Okoye, the recovered victims are currently safe and receiving medical attention and support.
Authorities are still verifying the exact number of individuals initially taken by the gunmen and promised to release official figures once confirmation is complete.
Initial reports suggested that roughly 20 corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, toward orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states were targeted.
In response to the crisis, Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso visited the scene alongside other service commanders to oversee the deployment of tactical units and intelligence-led tracking teams.
The affected section of the expressway has since been reopened to traffic under heavy security watch.
While working closely with the NYSC directorate to update families, the police command has urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any credible information that could aid in capturing the fleeing suspects.
