Police Locate Suspected Camp of NYSC Abductors in Imo, Rescue Operation Delayed Over IED Fears

By Emeka Henry Obi

October 3, 2026

Security operatives have located a suspected forest camp where prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted in Imo State are believed to be held.

However, fears that the location may have been rigged with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have delayed a direct assault on the camp, according to the Imo State Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, said security operatives deployed drones on Friday to identify the coordinates of the suspected hideout after tracking the abductors into the forest.

Bosso explained that operatives had yet to move into the location because intelligence suggested that the area could have been mined with explosives.

He said security agencies were making preparations to approach the suspected camp with specialised equipment, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, to minimise risks and facilitate the safe rescue of the victims.

The development follows the October 1 attack on two buses conveying passengers from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The buses were reportedly attacked around Umunoha along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, leading to the abduction of prospective corps members and other passengers.

Following the incident, police initially announced the rescue of 10 victims while efforts continued to establish the exact number of people still in captivity. Subsequent police updates referred to 20 abducted persons, while other reports put the number of prospective corps members among the victims at 19.

In response to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, alongside additional commissioners and tactical personnel to strengthen the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.

Security agencies have continued intelligence-led operations aimed at rescuing the remaining victims and arresting those responsible for the abduction.

The police have also appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the victims and apprehending the suspected abductors.

Authorities said efforts would continue until all the victims are safely rescued.