The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 10 people abducted by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.

The victims were rescued on Thursday following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving security agencies after two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers came under attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement, saying the rescued victims were safe and receiving necessary attention.

The command said the exact number of people abducted was still being established and would be made public after verification.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on October 1, 2026, near Umunoha, when armed men reportedly intercepted two buses travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards Uyo in Akwa Ibom and Bende in Abia State.

The buses were carrying NYSC corps members travelling to their orientation camps in the South-East and South-South regions, alongside other passengers.

The incident followed reports that about 20 corps members were abducted along the route while travelling from Ibadan to their respective orientation camps.

Following the attack, the police deployed tactical teams and other operational resources, while intelligence-led tracking was launched to locate the abductors and rescue those still being held.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Bosso, accompanied by other security commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational directives.

Bosso assured that security agencies would sustain the operation until all the victims were recovered and the suspects apprehended.

Meanwhile, the affected portion of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened to traffic, while security personnel remain stationed in the area to safeguard commuters.

The police also said it was working with the NYSC authorities to contact the families of the affected corps members and provide them with updates on the rescue operation.

The command urged residents and motorists to remain vigilant and share credible information that could assist the security agencies, assuring that all information provided would be treated confidentially.

The development comes weeks after security operatives rescued 15 NYSC corps members and six other victims who were abducted in Kogi State. The victims were recovered following a sustained intelligence-led operation in Egume Forest, while efforts continued to arrest those behind the abduction.