Imo Kidnap: IG Deploys DIG, 2 CPs, Intensify Rescue Operations

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to provide operational direction for the ongoing search-and-rescue mission of the prospective NYSC corps members and other passengers abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, Umunoha, on Independence Day.

The DIG Operations arrived the State with two Commissioners of Police and conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts of the Command CP.

He also reviewed the operational strategies, deployment of personnel as well as operational assets, and provided further directives to strengthen the coordinated response.

This was made known through a statement made available to newsmen by CSP Anietie Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to the statement, the assessment was conducted alongside the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, the Commissioner of Police, Federal Operations, CP Akpan Anifiok, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force as well as other Service Commanders and members of the Management Team of the Imo State Police Command.

“The search-and-rescue operation has been further intensified, with additional deployments of tactical teams and operational assets across identified areas, backed by intelligence-led tracking of 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 read.

The DIG Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, assured members of the public that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to securing the safe rescue of the 20 abducted persons and will sustain the operation until the mission is successfully concluded.

He urged members of the public and the media to remain calm and vigilant and encouraged anyone with credible information that could assist the operation to promptly contact the Police or the nearest security formation.

He submitted that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality and further updates would be issued as the operation progresses.

This is even as the managing director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isaiah Akpan, has confirmed that the gunmen have reached out to him and demanded ₦50 million for each of the victims, totaling ₦1 billion for the 20 kidnapped prospective corps members.

Two full-loaded commercial buses from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, were attacked by gunmen at about 6:30am, at Umunoha, at a spot known as “No man’s land”, Ogbaku in Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State on October 1.

Spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, had on Thursday, confirmed the attack on two buses and kidnap of the travellers, including prospective National Youth Service Corps members, travelling from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State by fleeing gunmen.