Nigerian police have rescued 20 young graduates who were abducted on October 1 while traveling for a national community service program. The graduates were found in Imo State after a sustained search-and-rescue operation involving multiple security agencies. The incident has renewed concerns about insecurity and kidnappings along roads in the South-East region.
The abduction and subsequent rescue of these graduates underscore the persistent security challenges in Nigeria, particularly concerning kidnappings for ransom, which impact individuals and raise broader concerns about the safety of travel and participation in national programs.
Nigerian police announced on Wednesday the successful rescue of 20 young people who had been abducted the previous week. The graduates were traveling in two buses to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were attacked by gunmen on October 1. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about insecurity and the prevalence of kidnappings along major roads in Nigeria's South-East.
Police spokesman Ani Iniedu stated that the group was rescued in Amakohia Ubi, Imo State, following an extensive search and rescue operation involving intelligence-led searches of forests and suspected hideouts by police, military, and other security agencies. The rescued individuals are reportedly being cared for and are undergoing medical evaluation. Iniedu did not disclose whether any ransom was paid or if any arrests were made in connection with the abduction.
Before their release, one abductee's father, Omotosho Adewale, told the BBC that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 50 million naira ($37,680; £28,440), a sum he could not afford, expressing his distress over the situation.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.