*Three other suspects reportedly escape with gunshot injuries as security agencies intensify manhunt

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and the Nigeria Police Force have arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.

The arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations conducted in Rivers and Abia states between October 10 and 14, 2026.

Security sources disclosed that the operations were carried out in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State.

Three other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations with varying degrees of gunshot injuries, prompting security agencies to intensify efforts to track them down.

The incident followed the abduction of 20 prospective corps members by armed men along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October 1, 2026, while they were travelling to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The victims were subsequently rescued on October 7, 2026, during a joint security operation at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

The latest arrests are considered a significant development in ongoing efforts by security agencies to identify the perpetrators, dismantle the criminal network allegedly behind the abduction and ensure that those responsible face prosecution.

A security source described the arrests as a major relief, noting that security operatives had sustained a manhunt for the suspected kidnappers following the incident.

“This is a huge sigh of relief. Security agencies have been on a manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured. We strongly believe they will be charged to court by DSS and the corps members will get justice,” the source said.

The security agencies are expected to continue investigations and efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.