Rescued NYSC Members: I’m Not Aware of Any Ransom Payment — Imo CP

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has said he is not aware of any ransom payment in connection with the rescue of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in the state.

The corps members were among passengers abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway while travelling from Ibadan to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The abductors initially demanded ₦50 million for each victim, amounting to ₦1 billion, before reportedly reducing the demand to ₦5 million per person.

The victims were eventually rescued on October 7 at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Imo State following a sustained search-and-rescue operation involving the police, military and Department of State Services.

Speaking on the circumstances surrounding their release, Bosso said he had no information indicating that a ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom.

The police had earlier advised the families of the abducted corps members not to make ransom payments, while security agencies intensified efforts to locate the victims and their captors.

Police surveillance had reportedly helped security operatives identify the kidnappers’ location in the bush. However, concerns over improvised explosive devices around the area initially complicated efforts to move in and rescue the victims.

Additional operational resources were subsequently deployed as security agencies continued the search.

The rescue operation was conducted by a joint team of security personnel, with the victims later taken for medical assessment and necessary care.

The development came amid reports that some families had been negotiating with the kidnappers and attempting to raise money after the ransom demand was reduced.

One mother later alleged that her family paid ₦6 million to secure her son’s release, creating a contrast with the police commissioner’s statement that he was not aware of any ransom payment.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed that any ransom was paid for the release of the 20 corps members.

The rescued victims are expected to undergo further medical and psychological support following their days in captivity, while security agencies continue efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.