Troops Rescue 10 Prospective Corps Members Abducted in Imo
Nigerian troops under Operation UDO KA have rescued 10 prospective NYSC members abducted along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Imo State, as security agencies continue pursuit of the kidnappers.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by suspected kidnappers in Imo State, following a coordinated security response along the Onitsha-Owerri Road.
The rescue operation followed an early-morning attack on two commercial buses carrying NYSC members and other passengers travelling towards orientation camps in the South-East and South-South.
The Nigerian Army, in its latest operational report, said troops of Operation UDO KA and the 34 Artillery Brigade responded to the incident and successfully rescued 10 of the victims. The operation involved collaboration with other security agencies as efforts continued to locate the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Attack on Two Buses
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, around Umonuwa village along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to the Army's report, suspected kidnappers attacked two commercial buses and abducted passengers travelling in the vehicles.
The buses were reportedly carrying prospective corps members and other passengers who were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards destinations including Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.
The attack caused concern among relatives and members of the public, particularly because many of the passengers were young Nigerians travelling to begin their mandatory national service.
The Imo State Police Command subsequently confirmed that NYSC members were among those abducted and said security agencies had immediately launched search-and-rescue operations. (TheCable)
10 Victims Rescued
Security personnel responded to the attack and recovered both buses.
The police said 10 victims were rescued at the scene and taken to safety, while security personnel continued operations to locate anyone still being held by the attackers.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said the exact number of people initially abducted was still being verified when the command issued its statement.
He added that tactical teams were conducting coordinated search-and-rescue operations supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspected kidnappers.
The police also said Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso, alongside other service commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational direction. (TheCable)
The Nigerian Army similarly reported that its troops were working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS) in the continuing operation.
Security Agencies Pursue Suspected Kidnappers
Although 10 victims had been rescued, security agencies continued efforts to locate the suspected kidnappers and secure the release of any remaining victims.
The Army said troops were pursuing the criminals as part of the wider operation.
The police also assured members of the public that the search would continue until all victims were safely recovered and the perpetrators brought before the law.
The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway was reopened following the incident, with security personnel deployed to protect commuters and maintain normal traffic movement.
The police further said it was working with the NYSC directorate to communicate with families of affected corps members and keep them informed about developments.
Incident Raises Security Concerns
The abduction has renewed concerns about the security of major roads in the South-East, particularly at a time when thousands of young Nigerians are travelling to different parts of the country for NYSC orientation programmes.
The Owerri-Onitsha corridor is an important transportation route linking communities and commercial centres in Imo and neighbouring states. Any security disruption along the road can therefore affect commuters, commercial transport operators and other road users.
The incident also highlights the vulnerability of passengers travelling in commercial vehicles, particularly during early-morning journeys.
While the security agencies have not publicly identified the attackers, investigations and intelligence operations are continuing.
Army Reports Wider Security Operations
The rescue in Imo was contained in an Army operational report that also detailed other military operations across the country.
In Adamawa State, troops reportedly repelled simultaneous attacks on military positions at Garkida in Gombi Local Government Area and Garaha in Hong Local Government Area.
The Army said its troops subsequently pursued the fleeing attackers, with 16 terrorists reportedly neutralised. Soldiers also recovered several weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, a Dane gun and ammunition.
In Taraba State, troops responding to an attack on Gwamagira settlement forced the attackers to retreat and recovered rustled cattle, although the Army reported that one civilian was killed and three others were abducted.
The military said efforts were ongoing to rescue those victims and apprehend their attackers. (
Calls for Continued Vigilance
The rescue of the 10 prospective corps members provides relief to the victims and their families, but security agencies are still working to determine the full extent of the abduction and locate any remaining victims.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing security operations.
The Imo police command also appealed for calm and assured residents that information supplied by members of the public would be treated confidentially. (Channels Television)
The incident underscores the importance of sustained intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and security presence along major highways as prospective NYSC members and other travellers move across the country.
For the families of the rescued victims, however, the immediate priority remains their safety and wellbeing, while security agencies continue the search for the suspected abductors and any other persons who may still be in captivity.