The Imo State Police Command and sister security agencies have intensified search and rescue operations following an attack on two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers along the Owerri Onitsha Road near Umunoha.
A statement by Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, said the incident occurred on October 1, 2026, with the buses travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State when they were attacked by suspected armed men.
Police and other security agencies responded swiftly to the scene, recovering both buses and rescuing 10 victims, with the rescued persons confirmed safe and receiving necessary attention following the incident.
The Command disclosed that the exact number of persons still missing is being verified, with intelligence led efforts ongoing to locate the abducted persons and arrest the suspected attackers.
Personnel of the 34 Artillery Brigade, working alongside the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services, launched a coordinated operation to track the kidnappers and rescue remaining victims.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that troops of Operation Udo Ka rescued the 10 NYSC members abducted in the attack, which occurred at about 6:30 am in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
Authorities say the coordinated response across multiple security agencies reflects the seriousness with which the attack is being treated, given the targeting of young corps members travelling to their places of primary assignment.
The Police Command appealed for calm and urged members of the public with credible information to contact the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency lines to assist ongoing efforts.
Security agencies say operations to locate the remaining victims and apprehend the attackers will continue until all those affected are accounted for and brought to safety.
By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
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