Imo and Oyo States Collaborate to Rescue 20 NYSC Members

On October 1, 2026, twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and one other person were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Imo State while traveling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Following their abduction, a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Police, and other security agencies was launched.

The victims were rescued from the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West local government area. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State credited the collaboration between the Imo and Oyo state governments as crucial to the successful rescue.

The victims are currently receiving medical attention at a DSS facility in Owerri. Governor Uzodimma praised the security agencies for their efforts and expressed gratitude to the victims' families for their patience during the ordeal.

Investigations into the kidnapping are ongoing, and efforts to apprehend the suspects are underway.