The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the ongoing search-and-rescue operation for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha on October 1, 2026.
DIG Nadada arrived in the State with two Commissioners of Police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the search-and-rescue efforts being undertaken by the Imo State Police Command.
He also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and available operational assets, while issuing further directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response to the incident.
The assessment was conducted alongside the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other service commanders and members of the Management Team of the Imo State Police Command.
The police said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified through the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to identified areas, supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects.
According to the Force, the operation is being conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible.
DIG Nadada assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to rescuing the 20 abducted persons and would sustain the operation until the mission was successfully concluded.
He urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the police or the nearest security formation.
The police assured that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said further updates would be issued as the operation progresses.
