IGP deploys DIG, CPs to Imo for corps members’ rescue
By Kingsley Omonobi
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the rescue of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Etuk, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
According to the statement, Nadada arrived in Imo with two Commissioners of Police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.
The statement said the DIG also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and operational assets, and issued further directives to strengthen the coordinated response.
The assessment was conducted alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso; the Commissioner of Police in charge of 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.
The police said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed to identified areas, supported by intelligence-led tracking of the abductors.
The statement said the police were also working closely with other security agencies to secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and apprehend those responsible.
The statement quoted Nadada as assuring the public that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to rescuing the 20 abducted persons and would sustain the operation until its conclusion.
He urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while calling on anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the police or the nearest security formation.
The statement assured that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality and that further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.