COURT TO RESUME TRIAL OF SUSPECTS OVER ABDUCTION OF 20 NYSC MEMBERS IN IMO

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

A court is set to resume the trial of suspects linked to the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other passengers in Imo State.

The suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State during intelligence-led operations conducted between October 10 and 14 by the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies.

Three other suspected members of the gang reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, prompting security operatives to launch a manhunt for them.

The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The gunmen reportedly attacked two buses conveying the prospective corps members and other passengers near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in the Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.

They were subsequently taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.

During the search-and-rescue operation, the police said their operatives had located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately advance because the area was reportedly planted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Security agencies subsequently intensified efforts to reach the victims and secure their release.

The resumption of the trial is expected to advance proceedings against the suspects over their alleged involvement in the abduction.