Abducted corps members: IGP orders DIG operations, two CPs to Imo for rescue mission

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate and strengthen the ongoing search-and-rescue operation for 20 people abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.

The victims, including prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), were reportedly abducted on October 1, 2026, around Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling along the busy highway.

Nadada arrived in the state with two Commissioners of Police and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the efforts already being made by the Imo State Police Command to locate and rescue the victims.

During the assessment, the DIG reviewed the operational strategies deployed by the Command, including the deployment of personnel, tactical teams and operational assets. He subsequently issued additional directives aimed at strengthening coordination and expanding the search for the abducted persons.

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The assessment was carried out alongside the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso; Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; and the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, as well as other service commanders and members of the Imo State Police Command management team.

Following the deployment, the police said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified across identified locations, with additional tactical personnel and operational assets mobilised to support the mission.

The operation is also being driven by intelligence-led efforts to track the suspected kidnappers and establish the whereabouts of the victims.

The police said they were working with other security agencies to coordinate the search, rescue the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Nadada assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to securing the safe release of all 20 abducted persons.

He said the operation would continue until the victims were successfully rescued, while urging residents and travellers in the affected areas to remain calm and vigilant.

The DIG also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist investigators and security operatives in locating the victims and tracking the perpetrators.

According to the police, information supplied by members of the public will be treated with strict confidentiality.