IGP Disu deploys DIG Operations, two CPs to Imo over abducted prospective corps members

Crime Diary

OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational direction for the ongoing search-and-rescue operation for 20 prospective NYSC corps members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha on Oct. 1, 2026.

The deployment followed the abduction incident involving the prospective corps members and other passengers, with the Nigeria Police Force intensifying efforts to secure their safe rescue and apprehend the perpetrators.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the police said DIG Nadada arrived in Imo with two Commissioners of Police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and the ongoing search-and-rescue operations by the state command.

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The DIG also reviewed operational strategies, personnel deployment and available operational assets, and issued further directives to strengthen the coordinated response.

The assessment was conducted alongside the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso; the 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 police said the search-and-rescue operation had been further intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed across identified areas, supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects.

According to the statement, the police are working closely with sister security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and apprehension of those responsible.

Nadada assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to rescuing the 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 encouraging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to promptly contact the police or the nearest security formation.

The DIG assured members of the public that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The police said further updates would be issued as the operation progresses.