IG deploys DIG, two CPs over abduction of 20 prospective corps members - Punch Newspapers

DIG Shehu Nadada, with other senior police officers. Photo: NIgeria Police Force

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue operation for 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road. PUNCH Online reports that the victims were abducted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, around Umunoha, Imo State. The Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday. The statement said Nadada arrived in the state with two Commissioners of Police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and the ongoing rescue efforts. He also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and operational assets, and issued further directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The assessment was conducted alongside the Imo State Commissioner of Police, 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. Iniedu said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified, with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed across identified areas. He said the operation was also being supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects and coordinated efforts with sister security agencies. Drunken policeman’s bullet ended my promising career – Ex-Papa Ajasco videographer Alumni renovate five-classroom blocks in Imo college Police unveil two hospitals in Kwara According to him, Nadada assured members of the public that the police remained committed to securing the safe rescue of the abducted persons. “The Nigeria Police Force is committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and will sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded,” Iniedu quoted Nadada as saying. Nadada 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 contact the police or the nearest security formation. “All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” he said. The statement added that further updates would be issued as the operation progresses. Olugbenga Ige Olugbenga Ige is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of professional reporting experience. He is known for his sharp eye for compelling stories and a strong instinct for identifying newsworthy developments. Over the years, Olugbenga has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.