All 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while traveling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Akwa Ibom and Abia States have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity.
The victims were successfully rescued at approximately 4:28 pm on Wednesday in Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained joint operations by the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.
The corps members had been ambushed and taken hostage on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State, while traveling in a convoy of buses from Ibadan.
XL News had earlier reported that suspected gunmen originally abducted 20 out of 30 traveling graduates and demanded an initial ransom of ₦50 million per person—later reduced to ₦5 million per victim—prompting urgent appeals from distressed parents to traditional rulers and government authorities.
Confirming the rescue in an official statement on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer CSP, Anietie Iniedu, disclosed that the victims were immediately taken for medical examinations and post-rescue care.
While specific tactical details of the joint operation were withheld and no arrests have been announced yet, Iniedu emphasized that security agencies have intensified operations to track down and apprehend the fleeing perpetrators.
Reacting to the development, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the joint security team for their swift intervention and deliberate, discreet strategy.
Uzodimma explained that the state government purposefully maintained a strict approach to public information throughout the seven-day ordeal to safeguard the victims’ lives and avoid jeopardizing intelligence-led rescue efforts.
Governor Uzodimma expressed profound gratitude to the families of the prospective corps members for their patience during the agonizing wait and reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies.
Reassuring the public, both the Nigeria Police Force and the Imo State Government urged citizens to maintain trust in federal security structures as operations continue to bring the kidnappers to justice.
