Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members kidnapped while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom.

The victims were abducted on October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, and were rescued seven days later following sustained search-and-rescue operations by security agencies.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims were rescued at about 4:28 p.m. at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

According to him, the rescue operation was carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies.

He said the rescued victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.

The police spokesman added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the masterminds of the abduction, as the perpetrators had yet to be arrested.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the victims, saying Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, informed him of the development in a telephone conversation at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the development, saying the families were overwhelmed with happiness and would prefer to see or speak with the victims before making further comments.

Meanwhile, Governor Uzodimma commended the security agencies for what he described as their swift and coordinated intervention that led to the safe release of the prospective corps members.

In a statement personally signed by him, the governor said the state government deliberately adopted a discreet approach to the incident to avoid releasing information that could jeopardise the rescue operation and ongoing investigations.

Uzodimma expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their collaboration and commended the parents and families of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal.

He also urged Nigerians to have faith in the Federal Government as efforts continue to address security challenges across the country.

The police said further updates on the incident would be communicated.