Imo Police Chief Denies Ransom for NYSC Members' Release

Audu Bosso, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, stated that he was unaware of any ransom payment for the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and a civilian who were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road. In an interview with Channels Television, he emphasized that the victims were released due to the sustained pressure from a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Bosso explained that security agencies mobilized quickly after receiving a distress call and conducted thorough searches in the Amako community area based on intelligence. He asserted that the pressure exerted on the abductors led to the victims' release.

However, a parent of one of the abducted members claimed that families had collectively paid about N120 million in ransom, with her family paying N6 million for her son’s release after negotiations reduced the initial demand from N50 million per victim.