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 efforts for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, on Friday, October 2, 2026.
According to the statement, the victims were abducted on October 1, 2026, prompting the deployment of additional police personnel and operational assets to strengthen efforts to locate and rescue them.
The DIG Operations arrived in Imo State alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and the ongoing rescue operation.
He also reviewed the strategies adopted by the Imo State Police Command, including the deployment of personnel and operational resources, before issuing further directives to enhance the coordinated response.
The assessment was carried out alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; as well as other service commanders and members of the Imo State Police Command’s management team.
The Force said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified through the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to identified areas, while intelligence-led tracking of the abductors was also being pursued.
The Police are also working with other security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible for the incident.
Nadada assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force would sustain the operation until the 20 abducted persons are safely rescued.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information capable of assisting the operation to contact the Police or the nearest security formation.
The Force assured that information provided by members of the public would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Police said further updates would be provided as the rescue operation progresses.
