By Clement Nwabuko
ABUJA(PRECISE POST) – Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in the state.
Uzodimma, in a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, described the rescue as a demonstration of the gallantry and coordinated efforts of the security agencies.
Precise Post recalls that the 20 prospective corps members were abducted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their respective NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South.
The victims were travelling in two commercial buses when gunmen intercepted them at about 6:30 a.m. near Umunoha community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, along the Owerri–Onitsha Road.
After the abduction, security agencies launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, which culminated in the victims regaining their freedom on Wednesday, October 7, at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area. The rescued victims were subsequently taken for medical assessment and care.
Reacting to their release, Uzodimma said the security agencies had continued to strengthen the state’s security architecture and intelligence network to prevent criminal activities and facilitate swift rescue operations.
“While crime may never be completely eradicated, we have continued to strengthen our security architecture and intelligence network across the State to forestall criminal activities and facilitate swift rescue operations where necessary,” he said.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government for their collaboration and support during the rescue operation.
“To the glory of God, our security agencies pulled through,” he said.
Uzodimma further commended the families and relatives of the abducted prospective corps members for their patience, resilience and faith throughout the period of their loved ones’ captivity.
He urged Nigerians to demonstrate similar faith and continue supporting security agencies in the discharge of their responsibilities.
