The Police Command in Imo State, has intensified search and rescue plans after it confirmed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among those kidnapped on the Owerri to Onitsha expressway on Thursday morning.
Spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Imo, stated in a statement that 10 of the victims had been rescued, even as he said the actual number of persons kidnapped was still being verified and would be disclosed to the public once confirmed.
It was reported that there was apprehension on the road in the early hours of Thursday after armed men attacked two 18-seater buses conveying passengers and whisked them into the bush.
According to a viral video published on X, the victims were travelling to Akwa Ibom and Abia states in buses branded with the Abia state government logo when the attackers intercepted the vehicles and robbed the passengers.
Okoye said the incident happened around 6:30am, pointing out that NYSC members were among those abducted.
“The incident occurred at about 0630hrs on 1st October, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha. Two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men,” the statement reads.
“Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene.
“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.”
The police spokesperson said officers were still conducting coordinated search and rescue operations, supported ed by intelligence to track the suspects and rescue the remaining victims.
He stated that the commissioner of police in Imo, in alliance with other service commanders, have gone to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give operational direction.
“He assured the public that the Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice,” Okoye said.
The Police spokesperson stated that the command was partnering with the NYSC directorate to contact the families of the affected corps members, who would be kept abreast with information as the situation developed.
He stated that the affected section of the expressway had been reopened and traffic was moving, while security personnel remained deployed to protect commuters.
The command called for calm and appealed to the public to stay vigilant, noting that anyone with credible information should report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
“All information will be treated in confidence,” Okoye added.
