The Imo State Police Command has located the suspected camp where abducted prospective NYSC members are being held. However, security operatives have delayed entering the area over fears of planted improvised explosive devices.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed this on Saturday. He gave the update while speaking about the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.
Bosso said security operatives tracked the abductors into the bush before deploying drones. The drone surveillance later helped identify the suspected location of the camp.
The commissioner said security agencies could not immediately enter the location. According to him, intelligence indicated that the area had been mined with IEDs.
For more reports on security concerns in Nigeria, read FCT Police Arrest 300 Suspects in Raid on Crime Hotspots.
Police Use Drones to Locate Suspected Camp
Bosso said the police and other security agencies had already entered the bush. They tracked the abductors to a particular location before using drones to establish their position.
The drone operation reportedly provided the coordinates of the suspected camp. However, the presence of suspected explosives prevented an immediate ground assault.
The police commissioner said security agencies were preparing for a cautious operation. He said the priority remained rescuing the victims without exposing them to additional danger.
According to Bosso, bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers will form part of the equipment used during the operation. The security agencies hope the equipment will help them access the area safely. The police have continued to intensify efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
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19 Prospective Corps Members Reportedly Abducted
The incident occurred on Thursday along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. Gunmen reportedly attacked two buses carrying prospective corps members from Ibadan.
The passengers were travelling to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. According to the transport company, 19 prospective corps members were taken into the bush.
The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, disclosed the figure. He said the drivers escaped and alerted security personnel at a nearby checkpoint.
Security agencies then began searching the area. The abandoned buses reportedly remained at the scene as the search operation continued.
Punch reported that the abductors demanded ₦50 million for each of the 19 victims. That would put the reported ransom demand at ₦950 million.
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Police Report Earlier Rescue of 10 People
The Imo State Police Command earlier announced that 10 people had been rescued. However, police spokesperson Henry Okoye could not confirm whether those rescued were among the abducted prospective corps members.
This has created uncertainty over the exact number of victims still in captivity. The latest police update focuses on the suspected camp where the abductors are believed to be holding victims.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission reported that security agencies were continuing intelligence-led efforts. The Nigeria Police Force has also deployed senior officers to coordinate the operation.
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Families Receive Calls From Abductors
Some families of the victims have reportedly received calls from the abductors. The callers allegedly used the phones of some of the kidnapped prospective corps members.
One victim’s mother, Mrs Oladosu, said her family received a call through her daughter’s phone. She said the family also saw some of the victims during a video call.
The reported contact has increased anxiety among families awaiting the safe return of their relatives. The ransom demands have also added pressure on the affected families.
The families are now waiting for further updates from security agencies. Meanwhile, police and other security personnel are working to reach the suspected hideout.
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Police Prepare Heavy Equipment for Rescue
Bosso said security agencies would use heavy equipment during the planned operation. The equipment includes bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers.
He said the strategy would help security personnel approach the suspected camp carefully. The main objective remains the safe rescue of the abducted victims.
The police have not announced that the rescue operation has begun. The latest update only confirms that the suspected location has been identified.
Security agencies are therefore still assessing how to approach the area. The reported presence of IEDs remains a major factor in the timing of the operation.
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DIG Takes Charge of Search Operation
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also strengthened the police response to the incident. He deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Shehu Nadada to Imo State.
Nadada is coordinating the search-and-rescue operation with other senior police officers. The deployment followed the abduction along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
Two commissioners of police also accompanied the DIG to the state. They reviewed the operational strategy and the deployment of security personnel and equipment.
The police said additional tactical teams have joined the operation. Intelligence-led tracking is also being used to locate the suspects and rescue the victims.
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Police Urge Public to Remain Calm
The police have appealed to residents and the media to remain calm. Authorities also urged anyone with credible information to contact the nearest security formation.
The police said information provided by members of the public would receive confidential treatment. Such information could assist efforts to locate the abductors and secure the victims.
Security agencies are also coordinating their efforts with other security organisations. The operation remains focused on safely rescuing those still believed to be in captivity.
The reported IED threat means security personnel must balance speed with caution. Police authorities have not announced a definite time for the planned ground operation.
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Reports Differ Over Number of Victims
The reported number of abducted passengers requires some clarification. The transport company’s account puts the number of prospective corps members taken at 19.
However, the Nigeria Police Force separately referred to 20 abducted persons in its October 3 update. The difference means the exact number of people still in captivity remains subject to clarification.
The Defence Headquarters has also provided a separate account of the incident. Reports based on its update said 20 passengers were abducted, while 10 were rescued.
Of those rescued, eight were identified as prospective corps members. The military said a joint operation involving security agencies was continuing.
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Rescue Operation Continues in Imo
The latest development means security agencies have narrowed their search. Police drone surveillance has identified a suspected location linked to the abductors.
However, authorities have delayed entering the camp because of the reported IED threat. Security agencies are preparing equipment and personnel for the next stage of the operation.
The victims were travelling to NYSC orientation camps when the attack occurred. Their abduction has raised fresh concerns about the safety of prospective corps members travelling across the country.
Families continue to await the safe return of their relatives. Security agencies have pledged to sustain the search until the operation is completed.
For more coverage of national security developments, read FCT Police Arrest 300 Suspects in Raid on Crime Hotspots.
NYSC Kidnap: What Police Say
The Imo police say they have identified the suspected camp where the victims are being held. They also say drones helped security personnel establish the camp’s location.
However, reported intelligence about IEDs has delayed the ground operation. Police are preparing bulldozers, APCs and other operational equipment before moving into the area.
Meanwhile, the police have deployed additional personnel to strengthen the search. The authorities have also urged the public to provide credible information.
The reported 19-victim figure also differs from the police’s separate reference to 20 abducted persons. Authorities are expected to provide further clarification as the search-and-rescue operation continues.
For another report on security concerns affecting Nigerians, read Peter Obi Arrives Jos, Heads to Mangu to Visit Attack Victims.
