The Imo State Police Command is continuing efforts to rescue passengers, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, abducted during an attack on two commercial buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, amid reports that security teams have used drones to search for the suspected kidnappers.
Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso has been involved in the response to the incident, which occurred near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area on October 1.
According to police accounts reported by Nigerian media, the buses were attacked at about 6:30 a.m. while conveying passengers travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards destinations in the South-East and South-South. Ten victims were subsequently rescued, while authorities continued efforts to locate the remaining abducted passengers.
Police intensify search-and-rescue efforts
The police said tactical teams and other operational resources had been deployed to locate the suspected abductors and secure the release of the remaining victims.
Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu also deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Shehu Nadada to coordinate the operation, supported by two commissioners of police and other security personnel.
The police said the operation was being strengthened through intelligence-led tracking, additional deployments and coordination with other security agencies.
A report attributed to Bosso states that aerial surveillance using drones helped security personnel identify an area believed to be associated with the suspected kidnappers. The report also says suspected landmines around the location have complicated access.
The specific details concerning the reported hideout and explosive devices require further confirmation from an official police statement. They should therefore be treated as reported operational information, rather than independently established facts.
Ten victims reportedly rescued
The Imo State Police Command said ten victims had been rescued after the attack and were safe while receiving necessary attention.
Police reports initially indicated that the exact number of people abducted was still being verified. Subsequent reporting by the Nigeria Police Force referred to 20 abducted passengers and said efforts were continuing to secure their release.
The victims reportedly included serving corps members travelling to NYSC orientation camps. The incident has raised renewed concern over the safety of young Nigerians travelling between states for national service.
Reported explosive hazards complicate access
If confirmed, the presence of landmines or other explosive devices would present a serious hazard to rescue teams and could limit the routes through which personnel can safely approach a suspected hideout.
Such circumstances require specialist assessment and careful coordination to avoid exposing hostages, officers or nearby residents to additional danger.
Operational details remain sensitive while the search continues. Authorities have not publicly established all the circumstances surrounding the reported hideout in the sources reviewed for this report.
Authorities promise continued operation
The police have said the search-and-rescue operation will continue until the remaining victims are recovered and those responsible are apprehended.
The command has also said it is working with the NYSC directorate to contact affected families and keep them informed of developments. The Inspector-General’s deployment of additional senior officers underscores the priority attached to the case.
The immediate priorities remain the safe recovery of the abducted passengers, protection of rescue personnel and investigation of the attack.
Further official updates will be necessary to establish the number of people still in captivity, the status of the reported hideout and whether the alleged explosive hazards have been confirmed.