Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has praised security agencies for the successful rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims were rescued on Wednesday following a coordinated operation involving personnel of the State Security Service (SSS), the military and the Nigeria Police Force in Imo State.
The prospective corps members were reportedly travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were attacked around 6:30 a.m. on October 1 near Umunoha along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
Reacting to the development, Uzodinma expressed appreciation to the security personnel involved in the operation, describing their response as discreet and collaborative.
“I am particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they tackled the challenge,” the governor said.
The governor explained that the state government intentionally avoided making extensive public disclosures while the operation was ongoing, stressing that protecting the victims and ensuring their safe recovery remained the priority.
“Because the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public, hence the discreet manner in which it was handled,” Uzodinma stated.
He noted that revealing sensitive details during the operation could have undermined the investigation and efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Uzodinma also commended the families of the abducted prospective corps members for their patience and understanding during the period of uncertainty.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue supporting security measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
He further called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and support ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to address the country’s security challenges.
