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| Photo credit — Olatunji Disu |
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Nadada, to Imo State. The deployment aims to strengthen the ongoing search-and-rescue effort for approximately 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers taken by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
According to a statement from Force Public Relations Officer CSP Anietie Iniedu, the abduction occurred on Thursday, 1 October 2026, near the Umunoha area in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
The victims were travelling in vehicles heading toward orientation camps when the attack took place.
DIG Nadada arrived in Imo with two Commissioners of Police. He carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the scene and the work already underway by the state command. He reviewed operational strategies, the placement of personnel, and available assets, then issued further directives to improve coordination.
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The assessment involved the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police for Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other service commanders; and members of the Imo State Police Command management team.
Police say they have increased the intensity of the search by deploying extra tactical teams and resources to key locations. The effort relies on intelligence-led tracking of the suspects and joint operations with other security agencies.
DIG Nadada stated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the safe rescue of the abducted persons and will continue the operation until it is successfully concluded. He urged the public and media to stay calm and vigilant, and asked anyone with credible information to contact the police or the nearest security formation. All such information will be handled confidentially.
Further updates on the operation will be released as new developments occur.
Earlier reports from the Imo State Police Command indicated that some victims had already been rescued in the immediate aftermath of the attack and that the exact number of people taken was still being verified. Highway abductions targeting travellers, including those bound for NYSC camps, have been a recurring security concern in parts of the South-East. Authorities continue to stress the importance of public cooperation and improved highway security measures.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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