NYSC Abduction Ends in Relief as 20 Prospective Corps Members Freed
Last update: October 7, 2026
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After days of fear and frantic calls, families can finally breathe as 20 abducted graduates are freed.
Good news at last, according to cbinews.tv. The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Ibadan in Oyo State to their orientation camp in the South East have been released.
Confirmation came in a statement signed by Adeola Oloko, Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland. His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja said he received the news on Wednesday from Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma during a telephone conversation at about 5 pm.
The release ends days of uncertainty after the young graduates were taken on their way to camp, a journey that should have marked the start of a proud national chapter.
These are not just numbers. They are young Nigerians in their early twenties, fresh graduates full of hope heading to serve their country. For their families, the past days have been agony, with appeals for help and sleepless nights. Their abduction also strikes at the heart of what NYSC stands for: unity and national service. If parents feel roads are unsafe, trust in the scheme itself suffers.
NYSC was set up in 1973 after the civil war to foster unity by posting graduates outside their home regions. Every year, tens of thousands take part. But insecurity on highways has become a growing worry.
The road link between the South West and South East has seen several abductions in recent years, with gunmen targeting buses. In 2023, eight corps members were abducted in Zamfara while travelling to Sokoto, an incident that sparked national outcry.
Prospective corps members travel to orientation camps for three weeks of training before primary assignment.
The group from Ibadan was en route to the South East when they were seized. Details of how release was secured remain unclear, but no ransom was officially confirmed.
Authorities are expected to review travel safety for corps members, including escorted convoys, better intelligence sharing and safer routes.
The NYSC management and security agencies will need to reassure parents that the scheme remains safe. For now, the focus is on medical checks and reunion for the freed graduates.
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