The controversy surrounding the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State has taken a new turn, following a statement by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, distancing himself from claims that ransom was paid to secure their freedom.
Bosso, who spoke during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, said he was unaware of any ransom payment, insisting that the sustained pressure mounted by security operatives played a decisive role in securing the victims’ release.
His statement comes amid reports that the kidnappers demanded ₦50 million for each victim, raising questions about what transpired behind the scenes before the abductees regained their freedom.
According to the police commissioner, security personnel intensified their operations, combing the forest and maintaining pressure on the suspected kidnappers until the victims were released.
He maintained that the operation involved persistent efforts to locate the abductors and their hideout, although he did not independently establish whether any ransom was paid.
DRONE SURVEILLANCE, EXPLOSIVE THREAT COMPLICATED RESCUE
The abduction occurred on October 1, 2026, when the prospective corps members and another individual were reportedly kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Road while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The incident triggered a coordinated security operation involving the police and other relevant agencies, with operatives working to locate the victims and secure their safe release.
During the operation, the police reportedly deployed drone surveillance to identify a suspected kidnappers’ camp in the forest.
However, the mission allegedly encountered additional challenges after reports emerged that improvised explosive devices had been planted around the suspected hideout, complicating efforts to reach the location.
Despite the reported security threats, operatives continued their search, applying sustained pressure on the suspected abductors.
10 VICTIMS RESCUED AS SEARCH CONTINUED
At an earlier stage of the operation, the police announced the rescue of 10 victims while efforts continued to locate those still being held captive.
Security personnel subsequently intensified the search for the remaining abductees, determined to bring the operation to a successful conclusion.
The remaining victims were eventually released from the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area on Wednesday, October 7, marking a major breakthrough after days of uncertainty and anxiety.
Following their rescue, the victims were taken to the office of the Department of State Services (DSS), where they were receiving attention after their ordeal.
DID RANSOM CHANGE HANDS?
Although reports of a ₦50 million ransom demand generated widespread concern, Bosso maintained that he had no knowledge of any payment being made to secure the victims’ freedom.
His remarks have added another dimension to the unfolding story, particularly as accounts of the circumstances surrounding the release continue to attract public attention.
However, the commissioner’s reported lack of knowledge does not, on its own, establish that no ransom was paid. The question of whether any payment occurred remains unresolved based on the information provided.
For the families of the abducted prospective corps members, the eventual release of their loved ones brought relief after several days of fear and uncertainty.
While the police have attributed the breakthrough to intensified security operations, the circumstances surrounding the reported ransom demand remain a significant aspect of the incident.
For now, one thing is clear: the victims are free, but questions surrounding the alleged ransom payment remain unanswered.
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