Security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Military, and the Nigeria Police Force have arrested five suspected members of a criminal syndicate linked to the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.
The victims were ambushed on October 1, 2026, Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day, along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway. The prospective corps members were traveling in a commercial bus toward their assigned orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when armed men intercepted their vehicle and forced them into nearby forests.
Following an intensive multi-agency search, all 20 victims were rescued on October 7, 2026, during a joint tactical operation in Amakohia Ubi Village, Owerri West Local Government Area.
Between October 10 and October 14, 2026, joint security teams executed follow-up operations across Port Harcourt in Rivers State and Aba South Local Government Area in Abia State, leading to the arrest of the five principal suspects. Authorities reported that three other gang members escaped with gunshot wounds during a exchange of fire with security forces.
Providing initial details on the attack, Imo State Police Command Spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed that early police responses along the Owerri–Onitsha highway helped intercept the gang’s movement and provided critical operational leads. Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Iniedu later confirmed the safe rescue of all 20 prospective corps members following the week-long joint operation.
”This is a huge sigh of relief,” a senior security source involved in the operation stated following the arrests. “Security agencies have been on a manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured. We strongly believe they will be charged to court by the DSS, and the corps members will get justice.”
The DSS and police authorities are finalizing charges to prosecute the five suspects in court. Meanwhile, security agencies have requested medical facilities across Rivers, Abia, and Imo states to immediately report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.
