The Imo State Police Command has rescued 10 people abducted by gunmen along the Owerri–Onitsha Road, following a coordinated security operation.
The victims were among NYSC corps members and other passengers travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in the South-East and South-South when two buses came under attack.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, near Umunoha.
The police said tactical teams and other operational units were immediately deployed to conduct search-and-rescue operations, supported by intelligence-led tracking.
“The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to,” the command said, adding that the exact number of people abducted was still being verified.
The two buses were reportedly transporting corps members and other passengers to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, when they were intercepted by suspected armed men.
Search Continues for Remaining Victims
The police said security teams were continuing efforts to locate the suspected abductors and rescue anyone who remained in captivity.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, alongside other security commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational direction.
The command said the operation would continue until all victims were safely recovered and the suspects apprehended.
Meanwhile, the affected section of the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway has been reopened, with traffic reportedly moving normally. Security personnel have also remained deployed along the route to protect commuters.
The police said they were working with the NYSC directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and provide updates as the operation progresses.
Authorities urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while encouraging anyone with credible information to share it with security agencies. The police assured the public that such information would be treated confidentially.
The incident comes weeks after security forces rescued 15 corps members and six other victims abducted in Kogi State following an intelligence-led operation in Egume Forest.
