Abducted NYSC Members: IED Threat Stalls Rescue Operation

The rescue operation for prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State has been delayed after security agencies identified a suspected threat from improvised explosive devices around the kidnappers’ hideout.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed the development while providing an update on efforts to rescue the victims.

According to the police, security operatives tracked the abductors into a bush and deployed drones to establish their location. The surveillance operation subsequently identified the suspected camp where the kidnapped prospective corps members were believed to be held.

However, the security agencies were unable to immediately raid the location after intelligence indicated that the area may have been planted with improvised explosive devices.

The police said the threat required careful planning before operatives could move into the camp to avoid putting the lives of the hostages and security personnel at greater risk.

Authorities are reportedly preparing additional operational equipment to support the rescue mission and safely access the suspected hideout.

The prospective corps members were abducted on Thursday while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The victims were travelling in two buses operated by Uko Akwa Ibom Motors when gunmen reportedly attacked the vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The attackers were said to have forced passengers into the bush before the drivers escaped and alerted security personnel.

The incident triggered a coordinated search operation involving the police and other security agencies.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed senior officers to Imo State to strengthen the operation and coordinate efforts to locate and rescue the abducted youths.

Parents of the victims have appealed to the Federal Government and state authorities to intensify efforts to secure their children’s safe release.

The families have also expressed concern over reports that the abductors demanded ransom for the release of the victims.

The reported ransom demand has increased pressure on authorities to resolve the situation quickly while ensuring that any rescue operation does not endanger the hostages.

Security agencies have continued to gather intelligence around the suspected camp and assess the reported explosive threat before advancing.

The police have assured the families that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and bring them back safely.

The abduction has renewed concerns about the safety of prospective corps members travelling long distances to attend NYSC orientation camps, with calls for stronger security measures along vulnerable routes.