IGP Deploys DIG, CPs to Imo for Corps Members’ Rescue

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate efforts to rescue 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.

The victims were abducted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, while travelling to their respective NYSC orientation camps.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Etuk, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Nadada arrived in Imo State alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.

The DIG also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and available operational assets, while issuing additional directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response.

The assessment was carried out alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso; the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other security service commanders; and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command.

The police said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed to identified areas. The operation is also being supported by intelligence-led efforts to track the abductors and locate the victims.

According to the statement, the police are working in collaboration with other security agencies to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Nadada assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to rescuing the 20 abducted persons and would sustain the operation until all the victims were safely recovered.

He urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the police or the nearest security formation.

The statement further assured the public that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality, adding that further updates would be provided as the rescue operation progresses.