NIGERIA: DSS Arraigns Five Suspects Over Abduction of 20 Corps Members in Imo State

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and a civilian in Imo State.

The incident occurred near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state on October 1, 2026.

The suspects were brought before the Justice Oputa State High Court in Owerri, the state capital, on Tuesday, according to Channels Television.

NTA News in a report published on its Facebook page, identified the suspects as Ibrahim Jiji, Aminu Haliru, Mohammed Ali, Usman Aliyu and Babangida Aliyu.

The suspects were reportedly arrested during intelligence-led operations conducted at different locations in Rivers and Abia states between October 10 and 14.

Security sources disclosed that the operations took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State. Three other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations with varying degrees of injuries.

The 21 victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

The arrests are seen as a major breakthrough in efforts by security agencies to track down the perpetrators, dismantle the criminal network and bring those responsible to justice.

A security source described the development as a relief, noting that security agencies had sustained a manhunt for the abductors.

“This is a huge sigh of relief. Security agencies have been on a manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured. We strongly believe they will be charged in court by DSS, and the corps members will get justice,” the source said.