•Cover picture is for illustration, it does not relate to the report.
Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom following a joint security operation.
The corps members were reportedly travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were kidnapped last Thursday.
The abductors initially demanded a ransom of N50 million for each victim, but later reduced the amount to N5 million per person.
However, security operatives comprising the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies successfully secured the release of the 20 abducted prospective corps members, alongside another hostage.
Following their rescue, the victims were taken to the DSS Hospital in Owerri, where they are reportedly receiving medical attention and undergoing necessary checks.
The successful operation has brought relief to the victims’ families and heightened concerns over the security of travellers along routes leading to the South-East.
