The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, has said he is not aware that any ransom was paid for the release of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another victim recently rescued from kidnappers in the state.
Bosso made the disclosure on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during an interview with Channels Television, saying the abductors released the victims after coming under sustained pressure from security agencies conducting search-and-rescue operations in the forest.
The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Following the incident, security agencies launched a coordinated operation to locate the victims and apprehend their abductors. Police had earlier disclosed that drone surveillance helped operatives identify the suspected kidnappers’ camp, although an alleged presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around the location complicated the operation.
The victims were eventually rescued on Wednesday, October 7, at Amakohia-Ubi in Imo State, following the sustained security operation.
However, reports from some families have indicated that ransom payments may have been made. One family, for instance, said it paid ₦6 million to secure the release of its son, despite the police position that the victims were freed following pressure from security agencies.
Bosso said the rescued victims were receiving attention at the Department of State Services (DSS) office following their release.
He maintained that the security operation forced the kidnappers to give up the victims, while efforts were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and apprehend those responsible.
The rescue has brought an end to the immediate ordeal of the abducted prospective corps members, who are now receiving necessary medical attention.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, also commended the security agencies involved in the operation and expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the Imo and Oyo State governments in securing the release of the victims.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
