Five Arrested as Security Agencies Intensify Manhunt for NYSC Members’ Abductors

Five suspected members of a criminal gang linked to the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have been arrested in joint operations involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and the police.

The arrests were made during intelligence-driven operations carried out between October 10 and 14 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State, according to security sources.

Other suspected gang members reportedly escaped during the operations with gunshot injuries, leading to an intensified manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

The development follows the October 1, 2026, abduction of 20 prospective corps members along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State. The victims were travelling to their designated orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when armed men reportedly seized them.

They were later rescued on October 7, 2026, during a joint security operation at Amakohia Ubi Village.

The arrests are considered a major step in the ongoing effort to apprehend those allegedly responsible for the kidnapping, dismantle their criminal network and ensure that they face justice.

A security source welcomed the arrests, describing them as a relief after security agencies sustained their search for the alleged abductors.

“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.

Security agencies are expected to continue operations to locate the remaining suspects who reportedly escaped with injuries and bring all those involved in the abduction to justice.

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