By George Omagbemi
OWERRI — October 9, 2026: The Imo State Police Command has said it is unaware of any ransom payment made to secure the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another person abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on October 1 while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, reportedly said security operatives launched a coordinated operation following the abduction, leading to the victims’ rescue.
The operation involved multiple security agencies, including the police, military, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
According to reports, the security teams searched forest areas around Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area, where the victims were subsequently found.
Asked whether ransom was paid, Bosso said he was not aware of any payment, maintaining that the security agencies acted professionally to secure the victims’ release.
However, reports attributed to relatives of the abductees suggest that money may have been paid to the kidnappers. Alirat Wahab, the mother of one of the prospective corps members, reportedly said her family paid ₦6 million after an initial demand of ₦50 million per victim.
The police have not confirmed the alleged payment, leaving conflicting accounts about how the victims secured their freedom.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of travellers on major highways in southeastern Nigeria and the continuing threat of kidnapping.
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