Security forces rescue 20 NYSC corps recruits, civilians in Imo

Twenty National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) recruits and a civilian kidnapped in Imo State have been rescued in a coordinated security operation involving the military, Department of Foreign Service, police and other security agencies.

The victims were abducted while traveling through the state, triggering a joint intelligence-driven search and rescue operation by security agencies.

The 20 corps recruits and civilians are currently receiving medical treatment at the DSS facility in Owerri, according to security sources.

The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, also visited the DSS Clinic in Owerri to meet the rescued victims.

The source said: “The NYSC DG was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Director DSS and Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Imo State.”

The development was welcomed by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who commended the security agencies for securing the release of the 20 corps members kidnapped along the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

In a statement personally signed by him, Uzodimma also commended the collaborative efforts between the Oyo and Imo State governments, which he said contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.

The governor said he was very pleased with the cooperation and commitment shown by the security agencies in ensuring that the corps members were rescued unharmed.

Uzodimma explained that the government deliberately kept details of the operation secret from the public while efforts to secure the victims were underway.

He said that “because this issue concerns life safety, the government is careful in releasing too much information to the public, therefore it is handling it in a tactful manner.”

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The governor said he was “very grateful to the security agencies for their thoughtful and collaborative attitude in addressing this challenge,” and also praised the parents of the kidnapped corps members for their patience during the ordeal.

He urged Nigerians to remain confident in the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the country’s security challenges.

The Nigerian Police separately confirmed the success of the rescue, saying the victims were found on Wednesday, October 7, in Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said the rescue was carried out following a sustained search and rescue operation involving similar security agencies.

It read, “The Nigerian Police, in collaboration with sister security agencies, have rescued 20 NYSC corps recruits kidnapped in Imo State on October 1, 2026.

“The victims were rescued on October 7, 2026 at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search and rescue operations. They have been taken for medical examination and necessary treatment.

“Efforts are underway to arrest those responsible for the kidnapping, as the Police and other security agencies continue to carry out coordinated operations to bring all the guilty persons to justice.

“The Nigerian Police appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and support and remains committed to the protection of lives and property, rapid response to security threats and continued collaboration with sister security agencies.”

Security agencies are continuing efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the kidnapping.