Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and a civilian abducted by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have regained freedom.
Security operatives rescued the victims on Tuesday following a joint intelligence-led operation involving the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police Force.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South regions when gunmen intercepted two commercial buses near Umunoha on October 1.
The attackers reportedly stopped the buses and took 20 prospective corps members and another passenger into the bush, while 10 other passengers escaped thus, received rescue shortly after the attack.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded ₦50 million for each of the 20 victims, putting the total ransom at ₦1 billion. The abductors later reduced the demand to ₦5 million per victim, bringing the total ransom request to ₦100 million as security agencies intensified efforts to locate the victims. The operation involved intelligence gathering and drone surveillance, which helped security operatives identify the kidnappers’ hideout.
However, the forces delayed an immediate assault on the camp over concerns that the abductors might have planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around the area.
Security operatives later coordinated a rescue operation and freed all 21 captives. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at a DSS facility in Owerri following their ordeal.
Meanwhile, security agencies have launched follow-up operations to apprehend the suspects who fled the area after the rescue.
The incident had raised concerns over the safety of prospective corps members travelling to various orientation camps ahead of the NYSC programme.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
