The Nigeria Police Force has stepped up security operations in Imo State following the kidnapping of twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members and several other travelers. The victims were seized on Thursday, October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near the Umunoha area.

In response to the incident, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu dispatched the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to take charge of the search-and-rescue mission. Nadada arrived in the state accompanied by two Commissioners of Police to evaluate ongoing rescue efforts and coordinate tactical responses on the ground.

High-level security meetings were held with several key commanders, including Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso, Federal Operations Commissioner Akpan Anifiok, the head of the Police Mobile Force, and various service commanders. Following these evaluations, the command deployed additional tactical squads and intelligence assets to strategic areas to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of all captives.

Authorities have emphasized that the rescue mission is being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies through intelligence-led operations. Police leadership has encouraged residents and the media to remain calm, cooperative, and vigilant, urging anyone with relevant information to report it to the nearest security formation with the assurance of complete confidentiality.