As security agencies race against time in the southeast, the Imo State Police Command and sister security services have launched intensive search-and-rescue operations following a brazen highway attack on two buses conveying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
Swift Response and Safe Rescue of Victims
The incident took place at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, near the Umunoha community in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. The two buses were journeying from Ibadan, Oyo State, heading toward Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State when armed men ambushed them.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Okoye Henry, police and allied security forces responded immediately. Operatives successfully recovered both vehicles and rescued 10 victims at the scene, who are now safe and receiving proper medical care. However, authorities are still verifying the exact number of individuals unaccounted for.
Intelligence-Led Operations and Government Action
To track down the perpetrators, the Imo Police Command has deployed tactical units, operational assets, and a Rapid Response Team to comb surrounding bushes and forests. Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government is actively engaging stakeholders to secure the return of its indigenes, with the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Taiwo Adenipekun, confirming active collaboration with security agencies.
“Intelligence-led efforts are ongoing to locate the abducted persons and arrest the suspected attackers.” — DSP Okoye Henry, Police Public Relations Officer, Imo State Police Command
Context Box: Fast Facts on the Imo Highway Incident
- Date and Time: Thursday, October 1, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m.
- Location: Near Umunoha community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, Imo State.
- Affected Travelers: Two buses conveying NYSC members and passengers traveling from Ibadan to Uyo and Bende.
- Immediate Outcome: 10 victims rescued safely; security forces actively searching for remaining missing persons.
Public Appeal and Safety Measures
The Imo State Police Command has called for calm while urging members of the public with credible information to reach out to the nearest police station or use the Command’s emergency lines. The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened to traffic, with security personnel heavily stationed to guarantee commuter safety.
The Social Call-to-Action (CTA)
With security agencies intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining abducted corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, what further measures can be implemented to secure major federal highways across the country? Share your view on NTA’s social platforms @NTANetwork
