BREAKING: Troops Rescue 10 Prospective NYSC Members Abducted on Onitsha–Owerri Road

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 10 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Onitsha–Owerri Road in Imo State.

The victims were among passengers seized from two commercial buses at Umonuwa village in Mbaise Local Government Area at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA responded to the incident and launched a coordinated search operation with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services (DSS).

The Imo State Police Command confirmed that 10 victims had been rescued and were receiving attention.

“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,” Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said.

The two buses have also been recovered, while security operatives continue to search for the suspected kidnappers and any remaining victims.

Authorities said the affected section of the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway has been reopened, with security personnel deployed in the area.

The incident occurred as the buses conveyed NYSC members and other passengers from Ibadan towards Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.

Security agencies have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

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