“I’m not aware any ransom was paid” – Imo CP reacts to N6m ransom claim after Nysc members’ release
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, has said he is not aware of any ransom being paid to secure the release of the 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another victim abducted in the state.
Bosso made this known during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, October 8, 2026, while giving an update on the rescue of the victims.
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His comment comes after reports that the abductors had demanded N50 million for each victim and a family member of one of the freed corps members claimed that N6 million was eventually paid to secure her son’s release.
Police Say Kidnappers Succumbed to Pressure
The police commissioner said the victims regained their freedom after security operatives intensified their search and mounted pressure on the kidnappers in the forest.
He explained that security agencies combed the area during the operation, forcing the abductors to give up and release the victims.
Bosso did not confirm that any ransom was paid, saying he was unaware of such a payment.
The rescued victims were subsequently taken to the office of the Department of State Services (DSS), where they were receiving attention.
Corps Members Abducted on Way to Orientation Camps
The victims were abducted on October 1 while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Following the incident, security agencies launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to locate the corps members and their abductors.
The police later identified the kidnappers’ hideout through drone surveillance but reportedly faced difficulty accessing the camp after discovering that the area had been planted with improvised explosive devices.
Additional security assets were subsequently deployed as the operation intensified.
20 Corps Members Regain Freedom
The victims were eventually released from the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area on Wednesday following the coordinated security operation.
Police had earlier announced the rescue of 10 victims, while efforts continued to locate the others.
The latest operation resulted in the safe recovery of all 20 corps members and the other abducted victim.
The victims were reportedly reunited with their families and taken for medical attention in Owerri.