Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.
The suspects were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State during intelligence-led operations conducted between 10 and 14 October, according to information released by the DSS on Friday.
The operations were carried out in collaboration with the military, police and other security personnel. Three other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, prompting security agencies to intensify efforts to track them down. The arrests followed the abduction of 20 prospective corps members on 1 October 2026, while they were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The gunmen reportedly attacked two buses carrying the prospective corps members and other passengers near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. The victims were rescued on 7 October during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area. They were subsequently taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.
During the search-and-rescue operation, police said drone surveillance helped security operatives locate the kidnappers’ camp. However, an immediate advance was reportedly hindered by the presence of improvised explosive devices at the location.
Security agencies subsequently intensified their efforts to reach the victims and secure their release.
The latest arrests mark a development in the investigation into the abduction, although the identities of the suspects, the specific evidence against them and the extent of their alleged involvement were not provided in the information available for this report.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Oluwatobi Adu 
