Saturday October 3, 2026
By SituationREPORT
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 provide operational leadership and strengthen ongoing efforts to rescue prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road at Umunoha on October 1, 2026.
DIG Nadada arrived in the state alongside two Commissioners of Police and immediately carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation and the search-and-rescue operations being coordinated by the Imo State Police Command.
During the visit, the DIG reviewed operational strategies, personnel deployments, and the utilization of security assets. He also issued fresh directives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the coordinated rescue mission.
The assessment was conducted in the company of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Aniefiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other service commanders; and members of the Imo State Police Command management team.
According to the Police, the rescue operation has been intensified with the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to identified locations, supported by intelligence-driven tracking of the suspected kidnappers.
The Force said it is working closely with other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victims and the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
Speaking during the assessment, DIG Nadada reassured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to securing the release of the 20 abducted persons, stressing that the operation would continue until all victims are rescued and the perpetrators brought to justice.
He urged residents and media practitioners to remain calm and vigilant while encouraging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to promptly contact the Police or the nearest security formation.
The Police assured that all information provided by members of the public would be treated with strict confidentiality and pledged to keep Nigerians updated as the operation progresses.
(Swift Reporters)