The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational direction for the ongoing search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of prospective NYSC corps members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, Umunoha, on October 1, 2026.
The deployment followed the abduction of 20 persons, with the police intensifying efforts to locate and safely rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
Upon arrival in the state, DIG Nadada, accompanied by two Commissioners of Police, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and reviewed the ongoing rescue efforts being coordinated by the Imo State Police Command.
He also reviewed the deployment of personnel, operational strategies and available security assets before issuing additional directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response.
The assessment was conducted alongside the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; 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.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said in a statement on Friday that the search-and-rescue operation had been further intensified with the deployment of additional tactical teams and operational assets to identified areas.
According to him, the operation is being supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects, while the police are working closely with sister security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted persons and arrest the perpetrators.
DIG Nadada assured members of the public that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to rescuing all 20 abducted persons and would sustain the operation until the mission was successfully concluded.
He urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to promptly contact the police or the nearest security formation.
The police assured that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality, adding that further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.
