DSS Arraigns Five Suspects Over Abduction of 20 Prospective NYSC Members in Imo

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and a civilian in Imo State.

The suspects were brought before the Justice Oputa State High Court in Owerri following their arrest during intelligence-led operations in Rivers and Abia states.

The victims were abducted by gunmen on October 1, 2026, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their designated NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The incident triggered a security operation involving multiple agencies to secure the victims’ release and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

On October 7, security operatives rescued all 20 prospective corps members and the civilian from the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area. The victims were subsequently taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention.

Following the successful rescue operation, DSS operatives, working in collaboration with the military, police and other security agencies, arrested five suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate during coordinated operations conducted between October 10 and 14 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba, Abia State.

However, three other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations with gunshot wounds. Security operatives have since intensified efforts to track them down and apprehend other members of the alleged criminal gang who remain at large.

The arraignment of the five suspects marks a significant step in the investigation, as the prosecution proceeds over their alleged involvement in the abduction.

The suspects remain accused persons, and their guilt will be determined by the court.