Widespread joy and profound relief swept through the families of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following official confirmation of their safe release after days in captivity.
​The victims, along with one other passenger, were abducted at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Gunmen intercepted two commercial buses conveying the prospective corps members near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway as they traveled to their designated orientation camps in Imo State.
​Confirmation of the rescue came directly from the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, during a telephone conversation at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
​The development was formally announced in a statement issued by Adeola Oloko, Media Aide to the Olubadan, who noted that the monarch had been closely monitoring search efforts following widespread national concern.
​”The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, confirmed the release of the prospective corps members in a telephone conversation with the Olubadan at about 5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday,” Oloko stated.
His Imperial Majesty expressed immense relief upon receiving the governor’s update, having maintained continuous concern for the victims’ well-being since the incident occurred.”
​According to security sources, the rescue operation was a coordinated effort executed by a joint force comprising the Nigerian Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Police Force.
Following their extraction, the victims were transported to the DSS Hospital facility in Owerri, where they are currently undergoing medical evaluation and receiving necessary care prior to reuniting with their respective families.
​The news has brought an outpouring of gratitude from parents and loved ones who spent nearly a week in anxiety. Community leaders and civil society groups have commended the joint security task force for their intervention while urging authorities to remain steadfast in securing major transit corridors across the region.
