The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects before the Imo State High Court over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State on October 1, 2026.
The suspects were identified as Mohammed Ali, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu, Ibrahim Jiji and Aminu Haliru.
According to reports, they were arrested during intelligence-led operations conducted between October 10 and 14 in Rivers and Abia states.
The arrests followed a joint security operation involving DSS operatives, soldiers and police officers targeting members of the criminal gang allegedly responsible for the abduction.
Suspects Arrested During Security Operations
Reports indicated that several suspected members of the gang were targeted during the operation, while other alleged gang members reportedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
Security agencies were said to have intensified efforts to track down those who fled.
However, the five suspects arraigned in court remain accused persons, and the allegations against them must be determined through the judicial process.
How the 20 Prospective Corps Members Were Abducted
The 20 prospective corps members were reportedly travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were abducted on October 1.
The incident raised concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling across state lines to begin their national service.
The victims and another passenger were subsequently rescued on October 7 during a coordinated security operation at Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
Following their rescue, the victims were taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.
The arraignment represents a further development in the investigation into the abduction, as security agencies pursue the case against the five suspects.
