Police Attribute Victims’ Freedom to Joint Security Operation as Relatives Give Different Account.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 9, 2026
Conflicting accounts have emerged over the release of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and another abducted victim in Imo State, with security authorities attributing their freedom to a coordinated rescue operation while some families allege that ransom payments were made to secure their release.
The victims were abducted on October 1, 2026, while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. They were reportedly attacked along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The victims regained their freedom on October 7 following an operation involving the police and other security agencies.
Police Cite Pressure from Security Agencies
The Nigeria Police Force said the victims were rescued at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue efforts involving the police, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the rescued victims were taken for medical assessment and necessary care, while efforts continued to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
Similarly, Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, said the sustained pressure mounted by security operatives forced the kidnappers to release the victims.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on October 8, Bosso said he was not aware of any ransom payment, maintaining that security agencies had carried out their professional responsibilities to secure the victims’ freedom.
Families Allege Millions Were Paid
However, relatives of some of the rescued victims have disputed the account that security operations alone secured their release, alleging that ransom negotiations and payments preceded their freedom.
Alirat Wahab, whose son was among the abducted prospective corps members, told News Central that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million before the amount was reduced during negotiations.
Wahab said her family and other relatives raised money to secure the victims’ release, with reports indicating that her family eventually paid ₦6 million.
According to accounts published by Nigerian media, some other families also reported making substantial payments to the abductors.
The claims remain allegations attributed to the families. The police commissioner’s statement that he was unaware of any ransom payment does not independently establish whether payments were or were not made.
Security Concerns and Calls for Accountability
The conflicting accounts have renewed concerns about kidnapping for ransom and the safety of Nigerians travelling on major highways.
While the reported release of the victims has brought relief to their families, questions remain about the precise circumstances surrounding their freedom and whether ransom payments were made.
The police have said efforts are continuing to apprehend the perpetrators. Further clarification from the relevant authorities would help establish the circumstances of the release and address the families’ allegations.
The incident also underscores the importance of strengthening highway security, improving intelligence-led operations and ensuring timely communication with families during kidnapping emergencies.
Enugu Media Village (EMV) will continue to monitor developments and report verified updates as further information becomes available.
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