Troops rescue 10 prospective NYSC members abducted on Onitsha Owerri Road

By Njideka Agbo |IchieTimes

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps members who were reportedly abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Imo State.

The victims were among passengers reportedly abducted from two commercial buses at Umonuwa village in Mbaise Local Government Area at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Following the incident, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA launched a coordinated search operation with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed that 10 victims had been rescued and were receiving medical and other necessary attention.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said the rescued victims were safe, while the exact number of persons abducted was still being verified.

“The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to. The exact number of persons abducted is being verified and will be made public once confirmed,” Okoye said.

The two commercial buses have also been recovered as security operatives continue efforts to locate the suspected kidnappers and establish whether any other victims remain in captivity.

Authorities said the affected section of the Owerri Onitsha Expressway had been reopened, with security personnel deployed to the area.

The buses were reportedly conveying NYSC members and other passengers from Ibadan towards Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State when the incident occurred.

Security agencies have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible.