IGP Disu Takes Swift Action, Sends DIG To Lead Search For Abducted NYSC Members

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational direction for the ongoing search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, Umunoha.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the deployment followed the October 1, 2026, incident in which gunmen reportedly intercepted vehicles conveying prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan to various NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said DIG Nadada arrived in Imo alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the ongoing rescue operation.

The senior police officer also reviewed the strategies being adopted, the deployment of personnel and available operational assets before issuing additional directives aimed at strengthening coordination among the security teams involved in the operation.

The assessment was conducted alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok, the Commissioner of Police overseeing the Police Mobile Force, other service commanders and members of the Imo State Police Command’s management team.

The police said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified through the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to identified locations, supported by intelligence-led efforts to track the suspected kidnappers.

The security agency also said it was working with other security agencies to locate the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

DIG Nadada assured the public that the police would sustain the operation in an effort to secure the safe recovery of the victims. He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while encouraging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the police or the nearest security formation.

According to the police, information provided by members of the public would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The latest operation comes after police confirmed that some victims had been rescued following the attack, while efforts continued to establish the exact number of people still missing and locate anyone yet to be accounted for.

The Force Public Relations Officer said further updates would be provided as the search-and-rescue operation progresses.