Police, Army Step Up Efforts to Rescue Abducted Corps Members

The police and Army have intensified efforts to rescue prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted by gunmen in Imo State.

The victims were travelling from Oyo State to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when they were attacked along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.

The attack occurred around Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, where gunmen reportedly intercepted two buses carrying the prospective corps members.

The incident has triggered a coordinated security operation involving the police, military and other security agencies as authorities work to locate the abductors and secure the safe release of the victims.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, said security operatives had tracked the suspected kidnappers into a forest and deployed drones to identify their location.

The surveillance operation reportedly led to the discovery of a suspected camp where the abducted youths were believed to be held.

However, security personnel have been cautious about launching an immediate assault after intelligence indicated that improvised explosive devices may have been planted around the camp.

The reported IED threat has forced the security agencies to reassess their approach and prepare additional equipment before advancing on the location.

Authorities are reportedly mobilising bulldozers, armoured personnel carriers and other operational assets to enable troops to safely access the area.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also deployed senior officers to Imo State to strengthen the operation and coordinate the security response.

The abduction has generated widespread concern, particularly among the families of the prospective corps members, who have appealed to the authorities to secure their children’s safe return.

The families have also reported ransom demands from the abductors, with reports indicating that the kidnappers demanded N50 million for each victim.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling to participate in the national service programme.

The NYSC members were reportedly among graduates heading to orientation camps ahead of the commencement of their national service.

Security agencies have continued to gather intelligence and monitor the suspected hideout while planning a rescue operation that would minimise risks to both the victims and personnel.

Authorities have urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the operation and warned against actions that could compromise ongoing security efforts.

The police and military have assured the families that efforts remain focused on rescuing the abducted prospective corps members safely and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.