The Imo State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers abducted by gunmen who attacked two commercial buses in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.
The attack occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday at Umunoha, popularly known as “No Man’s Land,” while the buses were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State.
Some of the abducted passengers were serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, stating that 10 victims had been rescued and were receiving medical attention.
He said the exact number of passengers abducted was still being verified, adding that security operatives were pursuing the perpetrators to rescue the remaining victims.
According to him, both commercial buses involved in the incident have been recovered following a swift response by the police and other security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, accompanied by other service commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational direction.
Okoye said tactical teams and other operational assets had been deployed in collaboration with sister security agencies for a coordinated, intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation.
He added that the command was working with the NYSC Directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and keep them informed of developments.
The police spokesman further disclosed that the affected section of the expressway had been reopened to traffic, while security personnel remained deployed to protect commuters.
He assured the public that the operation would continue until all remaining victims were rescued and the suspects arrested and brought to justice.
The command urged residents and commuters to remain calm and vigilant, encouraging anyone with credible information about the incident to report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines.
