Nigerian Army troops
Security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on October 1 around the Umunoha area, prompting a coordinated response from the military, police and intelligence agencies.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade, alongside the Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence Corps and local vigilantes, have launched search operations to locate the victims and their abductors.
The security forces carried out an early morning operation at Amakohia Forest on Saturday, October 3, following intelligence gathered during efforts to track the kidnappers.
Security sources said the operation was supported by intelligence from the DSS, which helped trace telephone numbers allegedly used by the kidnappers during ransom demands.
The abductors were reported to have contacted families of seven victims and demanded N50 million for each person.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has also deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to strengthen the rescue mission.
DIG Nadada, alongside senior police officers and other security commanders, assessed the situation and reviewed strategies aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted corps members.
The police said tactical teams and operational resources had been deployed to identified areas, while intelligence-led operations were being intensified with other security agencies.
The development highlights the commitment of security authorities to protecting young Nigerians participating in the NYSC scheme, which promotes national unity and youth development.
Authorities have appealed to residents of Imo State to remain calm, stay alert and provide useful information that could assist ongoing operations.
The Police assured the public that all available resources would be deployed until the victims are rescued and those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
