By Gabriel Ameh
Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a civilian abducted in Imo State have been rescued following a coordinated operation involving the military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 while travelling to their orientation camp. They reportedly spent seven days in captivity before their rescue.
The victims were rescued at about 4:28 p.m. on October 7 at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State, according to the Nigeria Police Force.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, also confirmed the rescue, although he did not immediately provide further details.
In a statement, the police said the successful operation followed sustained search-and-rescue efforts and coordination among the security agencies involved.
The rescued victims were taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.
Security agencies have continued efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
The operation followed the deployment of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Nadada, to Imo State by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to coordinate efforts to locate the abducted NYSC members and other passengers.
The victims had been abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, prompting appeals from their families for urgent intervention.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies for the coordinated operation that led to the victims’ safe release.
Uzodimma said the discreet approach adopted by the authorities was necessary because the matter involved the safety of human lives.
He also commended the families of the victims for their patience and urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to address security challenges across the country.
Meanwhile, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, visited the rescued victims at a DSS medical facility.
Nafiu was accompanied by senior security officials, including the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the DSS and the Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade.
The rescue marks a significant breakthrough in the search for the abducted prospective corps members, while security agencies continue efforts to apprehend those behind the attack.
Credit: THISDAY / Nigeria Police Force
