Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State, have been rescued in Imo State.
The victims were freed on Wednesday, exactly one week after they were abducted, following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the State Security Service (SSS), military personnel and the police.
Security sources said the rescued prospective corps members were taken to an SSS facility in Owerri for medical attention after their release.
“They were taken to the DSS (SSS) Hospital in Owerri for treatment,” a police operative told the newspaper.
The Nigeria Police Force subsequently confirmed the rescue, saying its operatives and personnel from other security agencies recovered the victims at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.
Force spokesperson, Ani Iniedu, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said the operation followed sustained efforts by security agencies to locate the abducted prospective corps members.
“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,” Iniedu said in a statement issued on Wednesday night.
The police spokesperson said security agencies had intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
He added that coordinated operations were still ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
“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,” he said.
The 20 prospective corps members were reportedly travelling from Oyo State to Abia State for the NYSC orientation programme when they were abducted last week.
