Twenty young Nigerians on their way to national service, and one civilian travelling with them, are safe after being rescued from kidnappers in Imo State.
On October 7, security operatives found the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and the civilian in the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area. They were taken to the Department of State Services (DSS) hospital in Owerri for medical attention.
Six days earlier, on October 1, 2026, gunmen had seized them near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area. The group was travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Their abduction set off a security operation to rescue them and track down those responsible.
Five suspects have now been arraigned before the Justice Oputa State High Court in Owerri. The DSS arrested them during intelligence-led operations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba, Abia State, between October 10 and 14. The DSS led the operations in collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies.
Three other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds during those operations. Security operatives have intensified efforts to find them, along with other members of the alleged gang who are still on the run.
The arraignment is another step in the investigation, and the prosecution of the five suspects is now underway.
Comments (0)
Please sign in to join the conversation.
Loading comments...