Security operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and the Nigeria Police Force have arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.
The arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations conducted between October 10 and 14, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State.
However, several other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations, with some sustaining gunshot injuries, prompting security agencies to intensify efforts to track them down.
The development marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the abduction, which occurred on Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day.
The 20 prospective corps members were reportedly abducted by armed men on October 1, 2026, while travelling along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.
According to reports, the victims were on their way to their respective NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were intercepted by the suspected kidnappers.
The incident triggered security concerns and a coordinated search for the abducted individuals.
The victims were eventually rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.
Security sources said the latest arrests resulted from sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated operations across parts of the South-East and South-South regions.
Five suspected gang members were apprehended, while other alleged members of the criminal network escaped during the operations.
The reported escape of suspects with gunshot injuries has prompted a renewed manhunt as security agencies work to identify and arrest everyone allegedly involved in the abduction.
The operations are part of broader efforts to dismantle the criminal network believed to be responsible for the attack and prevent similar incidents.
A security source described the arrests as a major relief, noting that security agencies had maintained pressure on the suspected kidnappers since the incident.
This is a huge sigh of relief. Security agencies have been on a manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured,” the source said.
The source expressed confidence that the suspects would face prosecution and that the affected corps members would obtain justice.
We strongly believe they will be charged to court by DSS and the corps members will get justice,” the source added.
Despite the arrests, security agencies are reportedly continuing efforts to locate the suspects who escaped during the operations.
The arrests could help investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction, identify other alleged participants and determine the extent of the criminal group’s activities.
The suspects’ arrest and prosecution would represent an important step towards accountability following the traumatic experience endured by the prospective corps members.
However, the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
