IBADAN, Nigeria — Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted while travelling to their orientation camps in southeastern Nigeria, have arrived at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, following their release from captivity.
The victims arrived at the DSS facility in the Aleshinloye area of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area after security agencies rescued them from kidnappers in Imo State on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
According to reports, the rescued graduates were taken to the DSS facility for further procedures following their ordeal. Representatives of the victims’ parents were reportedly allowed into the premises, while other relatives and sympathisers waited outside.
The arrival in Ibadan marks another stage in efforts to reunite the victims with their families and establish the circumstances surrounding their abduction.
Gunmen Abducted Travellers Along Imo Highway
The prospective corps members were travelling from Oyo State to NYSC orientation camps in Abia State when gunmen attacked the two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Imo State on October 1.
Reports indicated that 20 of the 30 prospective corps members were abducted, while the remaining 10 escaped into the bush.
The incident triggered anxiety among families, who appealed to government officials and security agencies to secure the safe return of their children.
The kidnappers reportedly initially demanded ₦50 million for each captive before reducing the demand. However, authorities have not confirmed that ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release.
Security Agencies Rescue Victims
The Nigeria Police Force said the victims were rescued on October 7 following coordinated search-and-rescue operations involving the police and other security agencies.
The operation involved personnel from the military, DSS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others. Police said sustained pressure on the abductors led to the victims’ release.
Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso said he was not aware of any ransom payment and attributed the rescue to pressure mounted by security operatives.
He also said the victims were receiving medical attention and that efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction were continuing.
Families Await Further Updates
The abduction had prompted desperate appeals from parents and relatives, some of whom reported receiving ransom demands while the victims remained in captivity.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also became involved in efforts to secure their release. He later confirmed that the victims had regained their freedom after receiving information from Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
The Oyo and Imo state governments have been commended for their cooperation with security agencies during the rescue efforts.
The arrival of the rescued graduates at the DSS headquarters in Ibadan is expected to facilitate further official procedures before their eventual reunion with their families and the NYSC authorities.
Meanwhile, security agencies say operations to track down the kidnappers are continuing.
