Dramatic Rescue: Abducted Corps Members Regain Freedom in Imo, Agencies Applauded
Nigerian security agencies successfully rescued 20 prospective NYSC members and another victim abducted in the South-east. The NDLEA and Oyo State Government lauded the coordinated efforts, while also urging intensified action against persistent kidnapping and banditry nationwide.
In a significant development, 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and another victim, who had been abducted in the South-east, have been successfully rescued by a joint effort of Nigerian security agencies. This triumph has been widely commended by various stakeholders, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Oyo State Government, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence operations in combating criminality.
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, lauded the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their successful operation. In a statement released by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Marwa described the rescue as a pivotal victory for the country, showcasing what can be achieved through coordinated and intelligence-driven efforts against crime. He emphasized that the safe return of the prospective corps members underscores the courage, professionalism, and unity of purpose prevalent among Nigeria’s security apparatus.
Marwa, a retired military officer, stressed that corps members represent the nation's finest, serving with hope and idealism, and thus deserve protection from the state. He commended the gallant men and women who delivered on this promise. Furthermore, he drew public attention to the broader achievements of security agencies, acknowledging other successful rescue operations across the country in recent months that have freed abducted victims and restored hope to their families. "Every life rescued is a triumph for our collective resolve. These operations show that criminals cannot outrun a determined and united security architecture," Marwa asserted.
The NDLEA chairman reiterated the agency's steadfast commitment to supporting and cooperating with sister security agencies. He pointed out the critical link between illicit drug trafficking and abuse, and its contribution to violent crimes such as kidnapping and banditry. Marwa declared that where drugs flow, insecurity thrives, hence the NDLEA's ongoing collaboration to dismantle networks that fund and fuel criminality, promising to deepen intelligence-sharing and joint operations.
He urged all security agencies to maintain this positive momentum in the fight against criminality and appealed to Nigerians for their continued support by providing timely and credible information. Marwa also extended his well wishes to the rescued prospective corps members for a swift recovery and a successful reunion with their families.
Concurrently, the Oyo State Government expressed immense relief and gratification following the release of its corps members who were abducted in Imo State. Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, conveyed the state's sentiments in a statement issued in Ibadan, describing their freedom as a most welcome development.
Mr. Oyelade extended congratulations to the Imo and Oyo state governments, as well as the federal government, for the successful release of the 20 prospective corps members after their period in captivity. However, he also took the opportunity to call upon the federal government to redouble its efforts in tackling the persistent national challenge of kidnapping and banditry. He stressed that the federal government, possessing the greatest power and capacity to address the insecurity crisis effectively, must be more proactive and fulfill its promise of ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
The commissioner affirmed that while the release of the corps members was commendable, more proactive measures are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future. He specifically urged relevant security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and coordinate operations more effectively, both to rescue those still held captive and to avert further abductions. The Oyo State government reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens, particularly the youth serving the nation under the National Youth Service Corps scheme. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) previously reported that the 20 prospective corps members were abducted on October 1, while traveling from Ibadan on the Onitsha-Owerri expressway in Imo State.