Families Pay Millions for Release of Abducted NYSC Members

Families of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State disclosed that they paid millions of naira in ransom for their release. Some families reportedly paid over N3 million, while one family raised N6 million.

The victims were kidnapped on October 1, 2026, while traveling from Ibadan to Bende and Uyo, and were taken at Ogbaku in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway. The Nigeria Police Force confirmed their rescue on October 7, 2026, at Amakohia Ubi Village, following a sustained search-and-rescue operation involving other security agencies.

CSP Ani Iniedu stated that the victims were taken for medical assessment and care after their rescue. The police are continuing efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and have expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation during the operation.