The Imo State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has rescued 10 kidnapped victims and recovered two buses following an attack along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.

The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, around Umunoha, when two buses conveying NYSC members and other passengers were attacked by suspected armed men.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, the buses were carrying corps members and passengers travelling from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively.

He said tactical teams and other operational assets were immediately deployed following the attack, resulting in the recovery of the two buses and the rescue of 10 victims.

Okoye said the rescued victims were safe and receiving attention, while the police were still working to establish the exact number of people abducted during the incident.

He added that coordinated search-and-rescue operations, supported by intelligence-led tracking, were ongoing to locate any remaining victims and apprehend the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, accompanied by other service commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and gave operational directives.

The police said the affected portion of the expressway had been reopened to traffic, with security personnel deployed to protect commuters.

The command also said it was working with the NYSC Directorate to communicate with the families of affected corps members and urged members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing operation.