How Oyo, Imo teamed up to ensure release of 20 abducted NYSC corps members, one other – Uzodimma

Some 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and one other person kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Imo state, have regained their freedom, Blueprint reports.

The development followed an intelligence-led operation involving the Military, DSS, Police, and other security agencies.

Most importantly, the collaboration between the Imo and Oyo state governments played a vital role in the rescue of the abducted victims, according to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state.

The victims were reportedly abducted while travelling through the state.
Blueprint gathered that the victims are receiving medical attention in the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Owerri.

A top security source told one of our reporters that “authorities are continuing investigations into the incident and efforts to apprehend the suspects are underway.””

It was gathered that the victims were rescued from the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West local government area of Imo state. They have since been taken to the DSS medical facility in Owerri for medical attention and  are currently undergoing necessary medical checks.

Also, one of our correspondents reports that the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, is also at the medical facility in solidarity with the  rescued corps members.

With him, it was further gathered, were  the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Director DSS and Brigade Commander 34 artillery.

…Their abduction

Blueprint.ng reports that they were kidnapped on October 1, 2026 on their way from Ibadan, Oyo state, to the NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

Their buses came under attack from the hoodlums near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli local government area of Imo state.

And in a swift response, security agencies launched a coordinated manhunt for the criminals, following which the Police Command said its operatives had located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance.

They were, however, unable to immediately enter the location as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were laid on the way by the abductors.

The situation got aggravated and put the victims’ families in dire situation when the captors named a N50 million for each of the victims.

…Uzodimma explains collaboration

In his reaction, Governor Uzodimma commended the security agencies for the breakthrough in the release of the 20 corps members.

The governor said he was specifically delighted at the level of coordination  and patriotism displayed by the security team towards the corps members’ rescue.

In a personally signed statement, Wednesday, Uzodimma also expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of both the Oyo and Imo state governments towards the quick rescue of the victims.

He said “Since the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public, hence the discreet manner in which it was handled.”

The governor praised the parents for their patience and endurance while the travail lasted, and urged Nigerians to always have faith in the federal government’s efforts towards overcoming the nation’s security challenges.

…Rescue excites Olubadan

Also in an excitement, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Wednesday, expressed joy at the corps members’ release.

A statement by the media aide to the monarch, Adeola Oloko, said: “The prospective members of  the youth service corps, who were abducted  have been released.

“The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma confirmed this in a telephone conversation with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, bOba Rashidi Ladoja at 5.00pm today, Wednesday,” it said.