NYSC Abduction: Police Rescue 10 Victims in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers following the abduction of travellers, including National Youth Service Corps members, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.

The attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the police, two buses travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State were attacked by suspected armed men.

The attackers reportedly took passengers into the bush after intercepting the vehicles.

Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, DSP Henry Okoye, said both buses had been recovered and 10 victims rescued at the scene. He added that the rescued passengers were safe and receiving necessary attention.

Okoye said the exact number of people still in captivity was being verified and would be made public once confirmed.

He disclosed that coordinated search-and-rescue operations were ongoing, with security operatives using intelligence-led tracking to locate the suspected abductors and rescue the remaining victims.

The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, alongside other security commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational direction.

The police also deployed tactical teams and other operational assets to support the rescue operation.

The command said it was working with the NYSC Directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and keep them informed as the operation progresses.

Meanwhile, the affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Road has been reopened to traffic, while security personnel remain deployed in the area.

The police appealed for calm and vigilance, urging members of the public with credible information about the whereabouts of the victims or suspects to contact the nearest police station or the command’s emergency lines.