Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted on Independence Day along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State remain in captivity four days after the attack, as security agencies close in on the suspected hideout.

Two buses carrying young graduates and other passengers from Ibadan, Oyo State, were attacked by suspected armed men at about 6:30am on Thursday, October 1, near Umunoha community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

The graduates were travelling to orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Abia states for the 2026 Batch C Stream I exercise.

According to the transport company, all 20 people abducted were prospective corps members travelling to the Akwa Ibom camp. The remaining 10 passengers were reportedly left behind and later transported safely to camp.

However, the Imo State Police Command has not confirmed the exact number of victims, saying it is still verifying the figure. Some reports have put the number at about 18.

For the affected families, the ordeal began with uncertainty and silence. One of the abducted graduates reportedly managed to send a one-word warning to her family before her phone became unreachable.

On Sunday, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, said security agencies had located the hideout where the victims were believed to be held.

Bosso said the rescue operation was being conducted cautiously because the area was reportedly heavily mined with improvised explosive devices.

The police and the 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, are continuing efforts to secure the release of the victims. No arrest had been announced as of the latest official update.

There have also been unconfirmed reports that the kidnappers reduced their alleged ransom demand from N50 million to N5 million per victim, potentially bringing the total demand from N1 billion to N100 million.

The police have not confirmed the ransom figures, while the NYSC has previously warned families against paying ransom or responding to bank account details circulated in its name.

The abduction has also drawn political reaction, with the Makinde-Daura presidential campaign organisation calling on President Bola Tinubu to secure the immediate release of the prospective corps members and ensure those responsible are arrested.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling long distances to participate in the national service programme.

It comes weeks after gunmen attacked vehicles along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Kogi State, where police said 11 people, including corps members, were later rescued.

The families of the abducted graduates remain in anguish as security agencies continue efforts to bring the victims home safely.

Frontline Daily will update this report as more verified information emerges.