BREAKING: Military, DSS, police arrest five suspects over Imo corpers’ kidnap

Security operatives, including the Department of State Services, military, and police, arrested five suspects on Friday in connection with the kidnapping of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members during Nigeria's 66th Independence Day. Three other suspects managed to escape with gunshot injuries, igniting a widespread manhunt.

The apprehensions occurred over a span of four days, from October 10 to 14, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State. The victims were abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October 1, 2026, as they made their way to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. On October 7, 2026, the rescuers recovered the kidnapped NYSC members from Amakohia Ubi Village.

These operations signify a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to locate the perpetrators, dismantle the criminal gang responsible for the kidnapping, and secure convictions for those involved. A security source expressed relief at the development, stating that the security agencies have been on a manhunt and that the apprehension of the suspects brings hope for justice for the corps members.