IGP Disu Deploys DIG Nadada to Lead Rescue of 20 Abducted Passengers in Imo

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operations, Shehu Nadada, to coordinate efforts to rescue 20 passengers abducted in Imo State.

The passengers were abducted on October 1 after two buses carrying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other travellers were reportedly attacked in Umunoha, along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.

The Imo State Police Command said it recovered the two buses and rescued 10 people at the scene of the incident. The remaining 20 passengers are still being sought by security agencies.

Force spokesperson Anietie Iniedu said in a statement on Friday that Nadada had arrived in Imo with two commissioners of police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing operation.

The DIG also reviewed the deployment of police personnel and operational assets before issuing directives aimed at strengthening the coordinated response. The assessment was carried out alongside Imo Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso, Commissioner of Police in charge of Federal Operations Akpan Anifiok and other service commanders.

Iniedu said the search-and-rescue operation had been intensified with additional tactical teams and operational assets deployed across identified areas. He added that intelligence-led tracking was being used to locate the suspects.

“The police are working in close coordination with sister security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted persons and the apprehension of the perpetrators,” the statement said.

The police assured the public that the operation would continue until all 20 abducted passengers are rescued, while efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack remain ongoing.