On Thursday, the [Imo State Police Command](https://imo.gov.ng) said it had no knowledge of any ransom being paid for the release of 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one other person who were freed after a week‑long abduction in the Amakohia‑Ubi forest of Owerri West Local Government Area.
**What triggered the abduction?**
The kidnapping occurred on 1 October along the Owerri‑Onitsha Road as the corps members travelled from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Reports indicated the abductors demanded ₦50 million per victim, causing alarm among families.
**How were the victims rescued?**
Security agencies launched a coordinated search‑and‑rescue operation, employing drone surveillance that located the kidnappers’ camp. Police initially could not enter the site because it was reportedly mined with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additional operational assets were later deployed, allowing forces to breach the camp and free the captives on Wednesday.
**What is the police stance on ransom claims?**
Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso told Channels Television that the kidnappers yielded to pressure from security forces and that the police were not aware of any payment. He added that the rescued individuals were being attended to at the office of the [Department of State Services (DSS)](https://dss.gov.ng).
**What reaction did the state government have?**
Governor Hope Uzodimma, in a personally signed statement, praised the swift collaboration between Oyo and Imo state authorities and commended the security agencies for their rapid intervention that led to the safe release of the abducted persons.
The freed corps members and the additional victim are now receiving medical attention in Owerri, marking the end of a tense week for the families and the broader NYSC community.