Imo NYSC Kidnap: Security Operatives Nab Five Suspects, Three Escape With Gunshot Wounds

Daud Olatunji

Operatives of the Department of State Services, the military and the police have arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State.

The arrests followed intelligence-led operations conducted in Rivers and Abia states between October 10 and 14, 2026, as security agencies intensified efforts to track down those behind the abduction.

However, three other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations with varying degrees of gunshot injuries, prompting security operatives to launch a manhunt for them.

The development represents a major breakthrough in the investigation into the abduction of the prospective corps members, who were kidnapped by armed men along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on October 1, 2026.

The victims were travelling to their respective NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were abducted.

They were subsequently rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

Security sources disclosed that the latest operations were carried out at different locations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The operations were reportedly based on intelligence gathered by the security agencies as they pursued members of the criminal gang suspected of carrying out the attack.

A security source described the arrests as a significant relief, noting that security operatives had sustained efforts to apprehend the suspects since the victims were rescued.

“This is a huge sigh of relief. Security agencies have been on a manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured,” the source said.

The source expressed confidence that the suspects would face prosecution, adding that the victims deserved justice.

“We strongly believe they will be charged in court by DSS and the corps members will get justice,” the source added.

The October 1 abduction raised fresh concerns over the safety of prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps, particularly along major highways vulnerable to attacks by armed criminals.

Although the 20 victims were rescued six days after their abduction, the latest arrests are expected to advance investigations into the incident and help security agencies identify other members of the alleged criminal network.

The three suspects who reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries remain the subject of a manhunt.

As of the time of filing this report, the security agencies had yet to publicly disclose the identities of the five arrested suspects or provide further details about their alleged roles in the abduction.

The suspects’ arrest does not, however, amount to a determination of guilt, as they are entitled to a fair hearing before a competent court.

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