On Wednesday, security forces including the Nigerian military, the [Department of State Services (DSS)](https://dss.gov.ng) and police rescued twenty abducted members of the [National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Youth_Service_Corps) in [Imo State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imo_State), after their families paid ransoms ranging from three to six million naira for their release.
**What ransom amounts were paid?**
Relatives disclosed that some paid more than N3 million, while others said they handed over as much as N6 million to secure the freedom of their sons and daughters. The payments were made directly to the kidnappers, who had demanded cash in exchange for the corps members' safe return.
**How did families raise the money?**
One mother recounted scrambling to collect the funds, saying, “I paid as much as N3 million as ransom while I was hoping that nothing happened to my child. I ran helter‑skelter to raise the money. I eventually got the money and sent someone to Imo State to deliver the ransom.”
A father, who also spoke to News Central Television, explained that his family pooled resources in Ibadan, Oyo State, even converting some of the cash into dollars before sending it to the kidnappers. He said, “We had to converge somewhere in Ibadan to put the money together. Some of us even changed the money to dollars and sent it to Imo State to meet whoever was coming to pick it. I am excited that my son is coming back. However, how do I repay the N6 million I borrowed? I’m just a farmer.”
Security agencies, comprising the army, DSS, police and other formations, coordinated the operation that led to the corps members’ liberation. The rescued individuals were released unharmed and are expected to resume their service duties.
The incident underscores the growing threat of kidnappings in the region and the heavy financial burden placed on families seeking the safe return of loved ones.