Operation UDO KA, Other Security Agencies Rescue Ten Victims as Search Continues for Remaining Abductees.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 3, 2026
Troops of Operation UDO KA, working alongside other security agencies, have rescued eight prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by gunmen along the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway in Imo State.
The victims were among passengers travelling in two commercial buses when the vehicles were intercepted by gunmen at Umonuwa village in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area on Thursday.
According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the two buses were carrying 30 passengers when the attackers stopped them and abducted 20 people, including several prospective corps members. Ten passengers, comprising the eight identified prospective corps members and two others, were subsequently rescued unharmed following the intervention of troops and other security agencies.
The DHQ said personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and Nigerian Air Force have continued coordinated search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating the remaining abductees and apprehending those responsible for the attack.
The incident occurred as prospective corps members travelled to various orientation camps for the 2026 Batch C Stream One exercise.
Earlier, the Imo State Police Command confirmed the rescue of 10 victims and said tactical teams had been deployed for intelligence-led operations to locate the remaining victims and suspected abductors.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended the troops and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation, while urging members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to provide credible and timely information to security agencies.
Security authorities have continued to appeal for calm and cooperation as efforts intensify to ensure the safe recovery of all remaining victims.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — Informing Enugu, Connecting the World.