OWERRI, NIGERIA — The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among passengers abducted when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday morning.
The attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on October 1, 2026, near Umunoha, according to the police.
The command said 10 victims had been rescued following a coordinated response by the police and other security agencies, while efforts were continuing to establish the exact number of people still being held by the attackers.
Two Buses Attacked
Police spokesperson Okoye Henry said the two 18-seater buses were carrying NYSC corps members and other passengers travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.
The buses were intercepted by suspected armed men along the busy highway, with some passengers reportedly taken into the surrounding bush.
Okoye said security personnel responded swiftly after receiving information about the attack and subsequently recovered both buses.
He said the 10 rescued victims were safe and receiving attention, while the command continued to verify the number of passengers who remained missing.
Search Operation Underway
The police said coordinated search-and-rescue operations were still underway to locate the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
According to the command, intelligence-led operations were being deployed to track the suspects and facilitate the safe recovery of anyone still in captivity.
The Imo Commissioner of Police and other security commanders also visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational direction.
The command said the operation would continue until all victims were accounted for and the suspects arrested.
NYSC Families Being Contacted
The police said they were working with the NYSC authorities to contact the families of affected corps members and provide updates as the situation develops.
The command also confirmed that the affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway had been reopened to traffic.
Security personnel have been deployed along the route to protect commuters and maintain security following the incident.
Police Appeal For Calm
The Imo Police Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while the security operation continues.
Residents and commuters with credible information about the attackers or the whereabouts of the missing victims were urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
The police assured the public that information supplied by members of the public would be treated confidentially as efforts continue to resolve the incident.
