By Gbolahan Salman
The Labour Party governorship aspirant in Imo State, Hon. Ifeanyi Thaddaus Ezeagu, has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in the state.
Ezeagu, in a statement on Thursday, described the safe recovery of the victims as a significant relief to their families and Nigerians, while applauding the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies involved in the operation.
The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1, 2026, when gunmen attacked two buses travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
They were rescued on Wednesday, October 7, at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations by security agencies. The victims were subsequently taken for medical assessment and necessary care.
Commending the security personnel, Ezeagu said the successful operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling kidnapping and other forms of criminality. “I commend the men and women of our security agencies for their courage, professionalism and determination which led to the successful rescue of the abducted prospective corps members,” he said.
The LP aspirant said the victims’ safe return had eased the anxiety that followed their abduction, stressing that the young Nigerians were travelling to fulfil their national service obligations.
“These young Nigerians were travelling to serve their country. Their safe return is a source of relief to their families and the entire nation. We must ensure that no Nigerian has to live in fear while travelling within the country,” Ezeagu said.
He, however, urged the security agencies to sustain the operation until the masterminds of the abduction were identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“The successful rescue must not mark the end of the operation. Those responsible for this heinous act must be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he added.
Ezeagu also called for stronger security measures along major highways and other routes frequently used by prospective corps members and other travellers.
He urged the authorities to improve intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid-response capabilities, particularly in areas vulnerable to kidnapping. “We owe our citizens a duty to provide an environment where they can travel, work and pursue their legitimate aspirations without fear of kidnapping or other forms of criminality,” he said.
