The 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 as the Police intensify efforts to rescue 20 people abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The victims, including prospective NYSC corps members, were abducted around Umunoha on October 1, 2026.
DIG Nadada arrived in the state with two senior police commanders and immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.
He reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel and available assets, and issued further directives to strengthen the coordinated response.
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 Imo State Police Command’s management team.
The Police have now intensified the search, deploying additional tactical teams and operational assets across identified areas while using intelligence-led tracking to locate the abductors and their victims.
The operation is being conducted in collaboration with sister security agencies as security forces race to secure the safe release of the abducted persons and arrest those responsible.
DIG Nadada assured the public that the Police would sustain the operation until the 20 victims are safely rescued.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, urging anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to contact the Police or the nearest security formation.
The Police assured that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
