SECURITY FORCES INTENSIFY SEARCH FOR ABDUCTED CORPS MEMBERS

The Imo State Police Command and the Nigerian Army have intensified efforts to rescue 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in the state.

The victims were among passengers travelling in two commercial buses when gunmen attacked the vehicles at Umunoha, Ogbaku, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area on October 1.

The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said security personnel were conducting operations in an effort to locate and rescue the victims.

Police Commissioner Audu Garba Bosso had earlier disclosed that security operatives had identified the suspected location of the abductors after using drones and tracking their movements.

However, the operation was delayed after intelligence indicated that the area could pose additional security risks.

Authorities said efforts were continuing to safely reach the location and secure the release of those being held.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had also deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Shehu Nadada to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue operation.

The incident has prompted renewed calls for stronger security measures along major highways used by prospective corps members and other travellers.