Security agencies have arrested several suspects over the October abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers in Imo State, as the case returns to court.
The arrests followed intelligence operations conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside military and police personnel, in Rivers and Abia states from October 10 to 14. Three other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations with gunshot wounds, while security operatives continued efforts to track them down.
The abduction took place on October 1, 2026, when armed men stopped two passenger buses around Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when the attack occurred.
The victims regained their freedom six days later after a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area. They were taken to a DSS medical facility in Owerri for examination and treatment following their rescue.
The search for the abductees had encountered a reported security threat at the kidnappers’ hideout, where police said suspected improvised explosive devices prevented operatives from moving in immediately. Drone surveillance was used to locate the camp before security agencies pursued further action that culminated in the victims’ rescue.
Channels Television reported that the court is set to resume proceedings against the suspects over their alleged involvement in the abduction.
