By Jude Atupulazi
The families of 20 prospective corps members kidnapped recently on their way to their orientation camps have breathed a sigh of relief following the rescue of their members by security operatives in Imo State, after spending six days in captivity.
It will be recalled that they were travelling in two buses from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Uyo, Akwa Ibom and Bende, Abia State, when gunmen blocked the road around 6:30am and took them into the bush.
Police initially said 19 were abducted, but later reports confirmed 20. The kidnappers first demanded N50m per person – N1bn total – and later reduced it to N5m each.
They have now regained freedom. Police and DSS confirmed they were rescued after 7 days on October 7 and are receiving treatment at DSS Hospital in Owerri. NYSC DG Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu visited them there.
The victims were rescued at about 4:28 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Amakohia Ubi Village following a sustained joint search and rescue operation by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the prospective corps members were abducted on October 1, 2026.
The police said the rescued victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary treatment as part of the post rescue process.
Following the successful rescue, security agencies have intensified efforts to identify, track and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
The police commended members of the public for their cooperation and support during the operation.
The Force assured Nigerians that security agencies would continue efforts to protect life and property while further updates would be provided as the investigation progressed.
20 prospective corps members* were kidnapped in Imo State along Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Mbaitoli LGA on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
