Nigerian security forces have rescued 20 university graduates who were abducted by gunmen while travelling to a national service programme in the country’s southeast, police said on Wednesday.
The victims were kidnapped on October 1 while travelling in two buses from Ibadan, in southwestern Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Police spokesman Ani Iniedu said the graduates were recovered in Amakohia Ubi, Imo State, following an extensive search operation involving police, military personnel and other security agencies.
All 20 were receiving care and undergoing medical examinations following their rescue, he said.
Security forces had searched forests and suspected criminal hideouts using intelligence gathered during the investigation. Authorities previously said they had located the captives but could not immediately intervene because explosives had been planted around the area.
Police did not disclose whether a ransom was paid or whether any suspects had been arrested. Investigations remain underway to identify and capture those responsible.
The victims were participating in Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a compulsory one-year programme that assigns university graduates to community service placements across the country.
Before the rescue, Omotosho Adewale, whose child was among those abducted, told the BBC that the kidnappers had demanded 50 million naira, approximately $37,680, for their release.
The abduction renewed concerns about insecurity along major highways, particularly in southeastern Nigeria, where armed groups and criminal gangs have repeatedly targeted travellers.
Kidnapping for ransom remains a persistent security challenge across Nigeria despite legislation prohibiting ransom payments. Authorities have yet to identify the armed group responsible for the latest incident.
