Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and the Nigeria Police Force have arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly linked to the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.
The arrests followed intelligence-led operations conducted in parts of Rivers and Abia states between October 10 and 14, while security operatives intensified efforts to track down other members of the suspected gang.
Three other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations with gunshot injuries, prompting security agencies to launch a manhunt for them.
Security sources disclosed that the operations were carried out in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State.
The incident dates back to October 1, 2026, when 20 prospective corps members travelling to their designated orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states were reportedly abducted by armed men along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.
The victims were subsequently rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia Ubi Village.
The latest arrests are considered a significant development in efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction, dismantle the suspected criminal network and ensure that the perpetrators face justice.
A security source, who expressed relief over the arrests, said security agencies had maintained pressure on the suspected kidnappers since the incident.
“This is a huge sigh of relief. Security agencies have been on a manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured. We strongly believe they will be charged to Court by DSS and the corps members will get justice,” the source said.
The security agencies are expected to continue efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring all those allegedly involved in the abduction to justice.
