Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members and one civilian kidnapped in Imo State have reportedly been rescued following an intelligence-led operation involving the military, State Security Service and police.
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Reports of the rescue emerged on Wednesday, October 7, after days of coordinated efforts to locate the victims and secure their release.
The 21 rescued persons are receiving medical attention at an SSS facility in the state, according to the latest accounts.
The prospective corps members had been travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked their buses near Umunoha along the Owerri–Onitsha Road on October 1.
Following the attack, security agencies deployed personnel and operational assets to track the kidnappers. The Imo State Police Command initially announced the rescue of 10 passengers while efforts continued to locate those still missing.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu subsequently deployed the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, alongside additional senior officers to coordinate the rescue efforts.
During an earlier update, Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso said drone surveillance had located the suspected kidnappers’ camp. He explained that intelligence about explosives planted around the location had complicated efforts to reach the victims safely.
The latest rescue reports did not immediately disclose the precise location of the operation, whether any suspects were arrested or whether ransom was paid.
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