Abduction Of Corps Members: Police Deploy DIG, 2 Commissioners To Imo

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Nadada, and two commissioners of police to Imo State to lead an intensified search-and-rescue operation for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Owerri.

According to the statement, Disu directed Nadada to immediately take over tactical operations in Owerri following the October 1 highway ambush.

The victims and other passengers were reportedly ambushed and forced into the bush along the Owerri-Onitsha Road at Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The statement said Nadada arrived in Imo alongside two commissioners of police to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and review the deployment of operational assets across identified criminal hideouts.

“The tactical assessment was executed alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Bosso, and Federal Operations chief, Mr Akpan Anifiok, among other commanders.

“The search-and-rescue operation has been further intensified with additional deployments of tactical teams and intelligence-led tracking of the suspects,” the statement said.

It added that Nadada assured the public that the force remained resolute in securing the safe rescue of all 20 victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

“The Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to securing the safe rescue of the abducted persons and will sustain this operation until conclusion,” it stated.

The statement appealed to residents and media organisations to remain calm while sharing credible information with security agencies, assuring that such information would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The police said further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.