Security forces comprising the military, Department of State Services (DSS), police and other security agencies have rescued 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and a civilian who were abducted in Imo State.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped while travelling to their NYSC orientation camps in the state.
Their abduction had triggered security operations aimed at locating the victims and securing their safe release.
Security sources said the victims were rescued in an intelligence-led operation involving personnel from the military, DSS and police, among other agencies.
The 21 rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at a DSS facility, according to the sources.
The sources said security agencies were continuing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and identify those responsible.
The rescue was independently confirmed by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who informed the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, of the development on Wednesday.
Uzodinma reportedly spoke with the monarch by telephone at about 5pm and personally confirmed the release of the prospective corps members.
The confirmation was disclosed in a statement by the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko.
According to the statement, the Olubadan had been closely following developments since the prospective corps members were abducted and had expressed concern over their safety.
The monarch reportedly expressed relief after receiving the governor’s confirmation that the victims had been released.
The prospective corps members were travelling to their orientation camps in Imo when they were reportedly intercepted and abducted.
Their disappearance had caused anxiety among their families and friends, who had been waiting for information about their whereabouts.
The successful rescue has now brought relief to the affected families, while security agencies continue efforts to apprehend any suspects connected to the incident.
The rescued victims are being attended to at the DSS facility as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the abduction.
Security agencies are also expected to intensify efforts to track down those responsible and prevent similar incidents along routes used by prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps.
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