The Imo State Police Command has rescued 10 people abducted by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation by security agencies.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying tactical teams and other operational assets were deployed after two buses carrying National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers came under attack.
“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 Command said.
According to the Command, the attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, around Umunoha, when suspected armed men intercepted the two buses.
The buses were reportedly transporting NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, for their respective orientation camps.
The incident followed reports that 20 corps members travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South had been abducted by gunmen.
The police said their tactical teams had intensified efforts to locate the suspected abductors and recover those still being held, using intelligence-led tracking as part of the operation.
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The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, accompanied by other service commanders, inspected the scene to assess the situation and direct the security response.
“The Commissioner of Police, alongside other Service Commanders, visited 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,” the statement read in part
The affected portion of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened to motorists, with traffic reportedly moving normally. Security personnel have also remained in the area to safeguard commuters.
The Command said it was liaising with the NYSC directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members and provide them with updates on the ongoing operation.
It appealed to residents and other members of the public to remain calm and alert, urging anyone with useful information to share it with the security agencies.
“All information will be treated in confidence,” the police said, adding that further updates would be issued as the situation progresses.
The latest incident occurred weeks after security forces rescued 15 corps members and six other victims who were abducted in Kogi State.
The victims were freed following a prolonged intelligence-led operation in Egume Forest, while security personnel continued efforts to arrest those responsible for the abduction.