In a major breakthrough, a joint security team comprising officers from the Nigerian Military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one civilian abducted in Imo State.
The victims regained their freedom seven days after they were intercepted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling from Ibadan to their assigned orientation camps.
According to security officials, the operation was an intelligence-led exercise that targeted the hideout of the kidnapping gang. Earlier reports indicated that security personnel had located the abductors’ camp earlier in the week but exercised tactical patience due to intelligence showing that the perimeter was rigged with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Following their successful extraction, the rescued prospective corps members were conveyed to the Department of State Services medical facility in Owerri, where they are currently undergoing comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the medical facility alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the DSS, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade to assess the condition of the victims and offer encouragement.
Confirmation of the rescue operation was also relayed directly to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, by the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, who confirmed during a phone call on Wednesday afternoon that all 20 prospective corps members had been safely retrieved.
The successful operation brings relief to families across the country who had endured days of anguish following ransom demands made by the abductors. Tactical teams are reportedly maintaining a presence in the area as investigations continue into tracking down the fleeing members of the syndicate.
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