The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, alongside two Commissioners of Police to Imo State as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims were abducted near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area on October 1, 2026, after suspected gunmen attacked vehicles conveying prospective corps members and other passengers travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in the South-East and South-South.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the Police said DIG Nadada was deployed to Imo to provide operational direction and strengthen the ongoing search-and-rescue mission.
Upon arrival, the DIG, accompanied by two Commissioners of Police, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and assets being used in the rescue effort.
The assessment was carried out alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police overseeing the Police Mobile Force; other security service commanders and members of the Imo State Police Command’s management team.
Police authorities said additional tactical teams and operational assets have been deployed to identified strategic areas, supported by intelligence-led tracking aimed at locating the abductors and rescuing the victims.
The Nigeria Police Force is also collaborating with other security agencies as the operation continues.
DIG Nadada assured families of the victims and members of the public that security operatives would sustain the operation until the abducted persons are safely rescued and those responsible for the attack are apprehended.
The Police also appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and to provide credible information that could assist security operatives in locating the victims and their abductors.
Authorities assured that information provided to the Police would be treated with strict confidentiality.
Earlier, the Imo State Police Command said 10 victims had been rescued following the attack and that two affected buses had been recovered. The Command said it was still verifying the exact number of persons abducted while search-and-rescue operations continued.
The Police said further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.
