The Imo State Police Command, working with other security agencies, has deployed tactical teams to rescue abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers, and to arrest the suspected abductors, following an attack on two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on October 1, 2026, at Umunoha. The two buses were carrying corps members and other passengers from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, when suspected armed men attacked them.
Police said security operatives responded swiftly, recovering both buses and rescuing 10 victims at the scene. The rescued victims are said to be in safe hands and receiving attention.
The exact number of people abducted has yet to be established. The Command said it is verifying the figure and will make it public once confirmed.
Operatives are carrying out coordinated search and rescue operations, backed by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects, the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, accompanied by other service commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and give operational direction. He assured the public that the Command would sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects brought to justice.
The Command is also working with the NYSC Directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who will be kept informed as the situation develops.
Police said the affected stretch of the expressway has been reopened, and traffic is flowing, while security personnel remain deployed to protect commuters.
The Command appealed for calm and urged residents to remain vigilant. Members of the public with credible information were asked to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines, with assurances that all information would be treated in confidence.
The police promised further updates as the situation develops.
