Police Rescue 10 Corps Members After Gunmen Attack Buses on Owerri-Onitsha Road.

A terrifying morning unfolded along the Owerri Onitsha Expressway on Thursday, October 1, 2026, when suspected armed men ambushed two buses carrying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other travellers. The attack, which occurred near Umunoha at about 6:30 a.m., sparked a swift and coordinated rescue operation by the Imo State Police Command.

According to a statement released by the Command's Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the two buses were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, when the gunmen intercepted them. The victims, including corps members heading to their orientation camps in the South-East and South-South, were forcibly taken into the surrounding bush.

The police confirmed that ten victims have so far been rescued and are receiving care. "The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to. The exact number of persons abducted is being verified and will be made public once confirmed," the Command stated.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, alongside other service commanders, visited the scene for an on the spot assessment and to provide operational direction. Tactical teams and operational assets were immediately deployed for a coordinated search and rescue mission, supported by intelligence led tracking aimed at locating the suspected abductors and securing the release of the remaining victims.

Bosso assured the public that the operation would continue until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects brought to justice. "The Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice," he said.

The affected section of the expressway has since been reopened, with traffic flowing normally, while security personnel remain deployed to protect commuters. The Command also said it is working closely with the NYSC directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and keep them informed as the operation progresses.

This incident comes just weeks after security forces rescued 15 corps members and six others abducted in Kogi State. Those victims were freed after a sustained, intelligence driven operation in Egume Forest, with security forces still working to apprehend the kidnappers.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to provide credible information that could assist the rescue operation. "All information will be treated in confidence," the police assured, adding that further updates would be issued as the situation develops.

The abduction of corps members has raised fresh concerns about security along major highways in the South-East, with many calling for stronger measures to protect travellers. As the rescue operation continues, families and loved ones await news of the remaining victims, hoping for their safe return.