Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to strengthen ongoing efforts to rescue prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims were kidnapped on October 1, 2026, at Umunoha in Imo State while travelling, prompting an intensified security operation by the Nigeria Police Force.
DIG Nadada arrived in the state with two Commissioners of Police to take charge of the operation and provide strategic direction for the search-and-rescue mission.
During the visit, the senior police officer carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation and reviewed the rescue efforts already underway by the Imo State Police Command.
He also evaluated operational strategies, personnel deployment and available security assets before issuing fresh directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated operation.
The assessment was conducted alongside the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Garba Bosso, the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, Akpan Anifiok, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, as well as other service commanders and members of the Imo State Police Command management team.
The Police said additional tactical teams and operational assets have now been deployed across identified locations, while intelligence-led operations are being intensified to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.
According to the Force Headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force is working closely with other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
DIG Nadada assured Nigerians that the Police remain committed to rescuing the 20 abducted persons and would sustain the operation until every victim is safely recovered.
He also appealed to members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, urging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to report to the Police or the nearest security agency. He assured that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The latest deployment highlights the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to respond swiftly to major security threats and strengthen public confidence in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime. The abduction of travellers, particularly prospective NYSC members, has generated nationwide concern, with security agencies under pressure to secure the victims’ safe return and bring the perpetrators to justice.
