The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational direction for the ongoing search-and-rescue operation for 20 persons abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims, comprising prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers, were abducted around Umunoha on October 1, 2026.
Following his deployment, DIG Nadada arrived in Imo State with two Commissioners of Police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the ongoing efforts by the Imo State Police Command to locate and rescue the victims.
He also reviewed the operational strategies adopted by the Command, the deployment of personnel and operational assets, and issued further directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response to the abduction.
The assessment was carried out alongside the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok; the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force; other Service Commanders; and members of the Management Team of the Imo State Police Command.
According to the police, the search-and-rescue operation has been further intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed to identified areas.
The operation is also being supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspected kidnappers, while the police are working in coordination with other security agencies to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible.
DIG Nadada assured members of the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to rescuing the 20 abducted persons and would sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded.
He appealed to members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, urging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to promptly contact the police or the nearest security formation.
The police assured members of the public that information supplied would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Force said further updates would be provided as the search-and-rescue operation progresses.
