The Imo State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has rescued 10 persons abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha, while efforts continue to locate other victims and apprehend the suspected kidnappers.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, when two buses carrying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers travelling from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, were attacked by suspected armed men.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, security operatives responded to the incident and recovered the two buses, while 10 of the abducted passengers were rescued.
The police said the rescued victims were safe and receiving the necessary care, adding that efforts were ongoing to establish the exact number of persons still unaccounted for.
The Command said tactical teams and other operational assets had been deployed to conduct coordinated search-and-rescue operations, supported by intelligence gathering aimed at locating the suspected abductors and rescuing the remaining victims.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, alongside commanders of other security agencies, visited the scene to assess the situation and issue operational directives.
Bosso assured the public that security agencies would continue the operation until all victims were safely rescued, while those responsible for the attack would be arrested and prosecuted.
The police also disclosed that they were working with the NYSC Directorate to establish contact with the families of affected corps members and provide them with updates on the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the affected portion of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened to motorists, with security personnel deployed to the area to safeguard commuters.
The Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, urging anyone with credible information about the incident or the whereabouts of the remaining victims to report to the nearest police station or contact the police emergency lines.
The police assured members of the public that information provided would be treated confidentially, adding that further updates would be released as the search-and-rescue operation progresses.
