The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate intensified search-and-rescue operations for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha on October 1, 2026.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, Nadada arrived in the state with two Commissioners of Police and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and ongoing rescue operations being led by the Imo State Police Command.
He also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and available operational assets, while issuing additional directives to strengthen the coordinated response and improve efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The assessment was conducted alongside the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other service commanders and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command.
The Police said the search-and-rescue operation had been further intensified through the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to identified areas.
The operation is also being supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspected abductors, with the Police coordinating with sister security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
Nadada assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to rescuing the 20 abducted persons and would sustain the operation until the mission was successfully concluded.
He urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the Police or the nearest security formation.
The Police assured members of the public that information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.
Iniedu, said further updates would be issued as the operation progresses.
