20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have been freed after spending seven days in captivity.
The corps members were reportedly intercepted by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling in two buses. Following their rescue, the victims were taken to the Department of State Services (DSS) Hospital in Owerri for medical attention.
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the facility to assess their condition and offer support. Security agencies had launched a coordinated search operation following the abduction, with reports indicating that drone surveillance was used to locate the kidnappers’ hideout.
Security operatives reportedly encountered improvised explosive devices around the camp before deploying armoured personnel carriers and other equipment to clear the area. Ten of the victims had earlier been brought to safety while efforts continued to locate the remaining members.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies for their cooperation and professionalism in securing the release of the victims. He said operational details were deliberately kept confidential to protect the lives of the abducted corps members, while also thanking their families for their patience and urging citizens to support ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
