IGP Disu intensify efforts to rescue 20 abducted NYSC prospective corps members and other passengers after an attack along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
The Nigeria Police Force has stepped up its search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 1, 2026, when the victims were reportedly abducted along the busy highway.
The development has prompted the deployment of senior police officers and additional operational resources to support efforts to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assigned the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to coordinate the police response to the incident.
The deployment is aimed at strengthening the ongoing operation and ensuring that personnel and other security resources are effectively coordinated in the search for the abducted persons.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Etuk, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.
According to the police, Nadada travelled to Imo State with two Commissioners of Police and immediately began an assessment of the situation.
The senior police officer also visited the areas connected to the ongoing operation to obtain a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the NYSC members abduction and the progress already made by security teams.
During the assessment, the DIG reviewed the operational arrangements put in place by the police and other security personnel involved in the search.
Particular attention was given to the deployment of officers, tactical teams, operational assets and intelligence resources.
Nadada also issued additional instructions intended to improve coordination among the various teams involved in the rescue operation and strengthen the response in areas identified as relevant to the search.
The assessment was carried out alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, as well as the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok.
Also involved were the Commissioner of Police responsible for the Police Mobile Force, other service commanders and members of the management team of the Imo State Police Command.
The police said the presence of the senior officers was part of efforts to ensure that the search-and-rescue operation received the necessary manpower, equipment and operational support.
The Force said additional tactical teams had been deployed to identified locations as the search for the victims continued. Operational assets have also been moved to areas considered relevant to the investigation and rescue efforts.
Beyond physical searches, the police said intelligence-led tracking was being used to gather information that could help security operatives determine the whereabouts of the abductors and the people in their custody.
The operation is also being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, with the police stressing the importance of a coordinated response in securing the safe release of the victims.
The involvement of multiple security formations is expected to strengthen information sharing and operational coordination as efforts continue to locate the abducted persons.
Nadada, according to the statement, reassured members of the public that the Nigeria Police Force remained focused on rescuing all 20 NYSC abducted persons.
He said the operation would continue until its objective was achieved, while urging the public to remain calm and vigilant during the ongoing security effort.
The DIG also appealed to individuals who may have useful information about the movement of the abductors or the location of the victims to share such information with the police or the nearest security formation.
The appeal is particularly directed at residents and other people who may have witnessed suspicious movements or activities connected to the incident.
The police assured members of the public that information provided to security authorities would be treated with strict confidentiality.
This, the Force said, was intended to encourage people with relevant information to come forward without fear.
The development comes as security authorities continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the highway abduction and secure the release of those taken away.
The police also appealed to the media and members of the public to exercise caution while reporting or sharing information about the operation, particularly information that could compromise ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.
The Force said further information would be made available as the operation progresses, indicating that updates would be provided when there are significant developments in the search.
For now, the police have maintained that the immediate priority is to locate the abducted persons, secure their safe return and bring the perpetrators before the appropriate authorities.
The deployment of the DIG Operations and additional tactical resources reflects the police leadership’s decision to place greater operational attention on the incident as the search continues across relevant areas of Imo State.
