The Imo State Police Command has rescued 10 victims 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, said the victims are safe and receiving attention, while the exact number of people abd¥cted is still being verified.
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, near Umunoha, when two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, came under att@ck.
The att@ck followed reports that about 20 corps members travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South had been abd¥cted.
According to the police, tactical teams are continuing intelligence-led operations to locate the suspected kidn@ppers and rescue the remaining victims.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, alongside other service commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational direction, assuring that the operation would continue until all victims are recovered and the suspects arrested.
The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened, with security personnel deployed to protect commuters.
The police said it is also working with the NYSC to contact the families of affected corps members and urged the public to remain calm, vigilant and provide credible information to assist the operation.
