The Oyo State Government has announced intensified collaboration with the Imo State Government and security agencies to secure the safe release of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The victims, who were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states, were attacked by gunmen near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The initial reports indicated that 20 corps members were abducted. However, subsequent reports from the Imo State Police Command have put the number of remaining captives at 19 after 10 people were reportedly rescued during the security response.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the state government was maintaining direct communication with the Imo State Government while working with security agencies in both states to secure the victims’ release.
Oyelade said Oyo State was also making available experience and strategies gained from previous kidnapping incidents, including lessons from the Oriire abduction case.
Security agencies have continued search-and-rescue operations in the area. The Imo State Police Command said tactical teams were using intelligence-led tracking and surveillance to locate the abductors. Police Commissioner Audu Bosso also disclosed that operatives had traced the suspected kidnappers to a location in the bush but faced security concerns after intelligence indicated that improvised explosive devices had been planted around the suspected camp.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to fulfil their national service obligations.
The reported ransom demand has also increased pressure on authorities and heightened anxiety among the victims’ families. Nevertheless, government officials have urged caution over public disclosure of sensitive operational details, noting that information released during an ongoing security operation could potentially compromise rescue efforts.
The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to working with Imo authorities, security agencies and NYSC officials until the affected corps members are safely reunited with their families.
The development underscores the broader security challenges confronting Nigerians on major inter-state highways and the need for stronger intelligence coordination, rapid emergency response and improved protection for young Nigerians travelling to NYSC orientation camps.
Oyo and Imo governments intensify collaboration with security agencies to rescue prospective NYSC members abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road.