The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to lead the search-and-rescue effort for prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted on the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims, 20 in total, were kidnapped at Umunoha on October 1, 2026.
Nadada arrived in the state with two Commissioners of Police and carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. He reviewed the operational strategies, the deployment of personnel and equipment, and issued new directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response.
He was joined at the assessment by the Imo State Police Commissioner, Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, Akpan Anifiok; and the Commissioner in charge of the Police Mobile Force. Other service commanders and members of the Imo Command’s management team were also present.
The Police said the operation has been stepped up, with extra tactical teams and equipment sent to identified areas. The deployment is backed by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects, and the Force is working with other security agencies to secure the victims’ safe release and arrest those responsible.
Nadada assured the public that the Force is committed to rescuing all 20 victims and will sustain the operation until it is successfully concluded.
He urged members of the public and the media to stay calm and vigilant. Anyone with credible information was asked to contact the Police or the nearest security formation, with an assurance that all tips will be treated in strict confidence.
