ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Department of State Services on Tuesday tendered the firearms allegedly used during the kidnap of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members.
The prospective corps members were travelling to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom States when they were abducted. The incident occurred on October 1, 2026.
The Exhibits
The exhibits included three AK-47 rifles and four AK-47 magazines. The DSS also tendered 81 live 7.62mm ammunition and one unbranded, unregistered English-made pistol.
The exhibits were presented before the court during the trial of the suspects. The first prosecution witness, Mr. Ikechukwu Emmanuel, testified.
How the Weapons Were Recovered
Emmanuel was led in evidence by the Principal State Counsel, Mr. Ekezie Nwauzor. He gave a graphic account of how the first defendant, Usman Aliyu, took security personnel into a bush where the guns were recovered.
He said Usman Aliyu led security operatives to a thick bush around Okuku, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The exhibits were concealed in a polythene bag and buried.
“During the investigation, the first defendant led us to the bush. The firearms were buried in a polythene bag. We recovered them and brought them back to our office,” Emmanuel said.
Confirmation by Suspects
Emmanuel said the three accused persons confirmed that all the recovered items were used during the kidnapping. He said they made the confession at the DSS Office in Owerri.
“The three accused persons confirmed that the recovered items were used during the kidnapping of the 20 NYSC members,” he stated.
Ransom Payment
Emmanuel also told the court that a total sum of ₦48 million was paid as ransom by the relatives of the kidnapped victims.
He said ₦47 million was paid in dollars, while ₦1 million was paid in naira.
He said Usman Aliyu confirmed during interrogation that the dollars were later changed to naira. But only the sum of ₦155,200 was recovered from the three accused persons at the point of arrest.
Court’s Order
The court ordered that all the recovered firearms, live ammunition, and cash be kept in the custody of the Armourer, DSS State Command, Owerri.
The trial will continue on a date to be announced by the court.
What This Means
The case highlights the growing threat of kidnapping in Nigeria. It also shows the dangers faced by travellers, including young Nigerians going for national service.
The recovery of the firearms is a significant development. It provides crucial evidence in the prosecution of the suspects.
What Happens Next
The trial will continue. The prosecution is expected to present more witnesses and evidence.
For now, the victims and their families are hoping for justice. The DSS has assured that it will pursue the case to its conclusion.
