IG Deploys DIG Operations, Two CPs to Imo Over NYSC Abduction

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, alongside two Commissioners of Police, to Imo State to coordinate the ongoing search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers.

The victims were abducted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, Nadada arrived in Imo with the senior officers and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the rescue operation already underway.

The DIG also reviewed the operational strategies, personnel and assets deployed to the affected areas and issued further directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response.

The assessment was carried out alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other service commanders and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command.

The police said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed to identified areas.

The operation is also being supported by intelligence-led efforts to track the suspected abductors, while the police continue to work with other security agencies in the search for the victims.

The incident involved two buses travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State. The buses were attacked by suspected armed men around Umunoha.

The Imo State Police Command had earlier confirmed that 10 victims were rescued following the response by police and other security agencies, while both buses were recovered. Police said the rescued victims were safe and receiving attention.

There has been some variation in reports concerning the number of people abducted. While reports have put the number of prospective corps members taken at about 20, the Imo State Police Command initially said the exact number of abducted persons was still being established.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said Nadada assured the public that the force remained committed to securing the safe rescue of the abducted persons.

The DIG also appealed to members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, urging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the police or the nearest security formation.

The police said information supplied by members of the public would be treated confidentially and that further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.

The abduction occurred as prospective corps members travelled to their respective NYSC orientation camps for the 2026 Batch C Stream I exercise.