The Imo state police command says members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among those abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway on Thursday morning.
Okoye Henry, police spokesperson in Imo, said in a statement that 10 of the victims had been rescued.
He said the exact number of persons abducted was still being verified and would be made public once confirmed.
TheCable reported that there was tension on the road in the early hours of Thursday after gunmen attacked two 18-seater buses carrying passengers and took them into the bush.
According to a viral video circulated on X, the victims were travelling to Akwa Ibom and Abia states in buses branded with the Abia state government logo when the attackers intercepted the vehicles and robbed the passengers.
Okoye said the incident occurred around 6:30am, adding that NYSC members were among those abducted.
“The incident occurred at about 0630hrs on 1st October, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha. Two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men,” the statement reads.
“Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene.
“The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to. The exact number of persons abducted is being verified and will be made public once confirmed.”
The police spokesperson said operatives were still conducting coordinated search and rescue operations, backed by intelligence to track the suspects and rescue the remaining victims.
He said the commissioner of police in Imo, alongside other service commanders, have visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give operational direction.
“He assured the public that the Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice,” Okoye said.
He said the command was working with the NYSC directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who would be kept informed as the situation developed.
He added that the affected section of the expressway had been reopened and traffic was flowing, while security personnel remained deployed to protect commuters.
The command appealed for calm and urged the public to remain vigilant, adding that anyone with credible information should report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines.
