Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have regained their freedom after six days in captivity.

The victims, who were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states, were abducted on Thursday, October 1, alongside another passenger when gunmen attacked two buses near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area at about 6:30 a.m.

They were rescued at approximately 4:28 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, at Amakohia Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area during a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), military and other security agencies.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said the rescue followed sustained coordination among the participating agencies.

The victims were subsequently taken to the DSS clinic in Owerri for medical examinations and treatment.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the rescued corps members at the facility, accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the DSS Director and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies for their swift response and collaboration, expressing relief that the corps members had been rescued unharmed.

Meanwhile, the police said efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction had been intensified, while thanking members of the public for their cooperation.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.