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

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

The 20 prospective corps members and the civilian are now receiving medical attention at a DSS facility in Owerri, according to security sources.

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

The source said: “The NYSC-DG is in the company of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Director DSS and Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Imo State.”

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

In a statement personally signed by him, Uzodimma also praised 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 particularly pleased with the cooperation and commitment demonstrated by the security agencies in ensuring that the corps members were rescued unharmed.

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

He said that “since the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public, hence the discreet manner in which it was handled”.

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The governor said he “is particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they tackled the challenge,” while also commending the parents of the abducted corps members for their patience during the ordeal.

He urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

The Nigeria Police Force separately confirmed the successful rescue, saying the victims were recovered on Wednesday, October 7, at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said the rescue followed sustained search-and-rescue operations involving sister security agencies.

It reads, “The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members abducted in Imo State on 1st October 2026.

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

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, as the Police and other security agencies sustain coordinated operations towards bringing all culpable persons to justice.

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

Security agencies are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

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