The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among passengers abducted by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The police disclosed that 10 victims had been rescued following the attack, while the exact number of passengers still in captivity was yet to be established.
The Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Okoye Henry, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, stating that the attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. near Umunoha along the busy expressway.
According to the police, two 18-seater buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers were intercepted by suspected armed men while travelling from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State.
The police spokesperson said security operatives responded swiftly to the incident, leading to the recovery of both vehicles and the rescue of 10 abducted passengers.
“Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene,” the statement said.
Okoye added that the rescued victims were safe and receiving the necessary attention, while efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of people abducted during the attack.
The incident reportedly caused panic among commuters travelling along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway after gunmen allegedly intercepted the two buses and took some passengers into the surrounding bush.
The police said coordinated search-and-rescue operations had been intensified to locate the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The operation, according to the command, is being supported by intelligence gathering to track the suspected kidnappers and secure the release of passengers still being held captive.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, alongside other security service commanders, reportedly visited the scene of the incident to assess the situation and provide operational directives to personnel involved in the rescue operation.
The police assured residents and commuters that the search would continue until all the abducted passengers were safely recovered and the perpetrators brought to justice.
The command also disclosed that it was working with the NYSC directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and provide them with verified updates on the situation.
Meanwhile, the affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened to motorists following the initial security response. Additional security personnel have also been deployed along the route to protect commuters and prevent further attacks.
The Imo State Police Command urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while the rescue operation continues. Residents and travellers were also encouraged to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the remaining victims and identifying the attackers.
The command assured the public that all information received would be treated confidentially and urged anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
The police maintained that efforts would continue until all victims were reunited with their families and those responsible for the attack were brought to justice.
