Five suspected members of a criminal gang accused of abducting 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have been arrested in a joint security operation led by the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the military, police and other security operatives.

The suspects were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State during intelligence-led operations conducted between October 10 and 14.

Three other suspects reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, prompting a manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.

The arrests followed the abduction of 20 prospective corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October 1, 2026, while they were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The gunmen attacked two buses conveying the prospective corps members and other passengers near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state. They were subsequently taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.

During the search-and-rescue operation, the police had said their operatives located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately advance because the location was reportedly planted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Security agencies later intensified efforts to reach the victims and secure their release.

The latest arrests mark a development in efforts to track down those allegedly responsible for the abduction and dismantle the criminal network.

A security source described the arrests as a major relief, saying security agencies had sustained a manhunt for the suspects.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Abubakar Sadique Wase, has commended three senior officers posted out of the Division for their professionalism, loyalty and contributions to the service.

Wase gave the commendation during a send-off ceremony held at the Headquarters Conference Room in Kaduna, where he urged the departing officers to sustain their dedication to duty and remain worthy ambassadors of the Division in their new assignments.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Ajemasu Jingina, the GOC praised the officers for their contributions to the formation, popularly known as the “Stallion Family.”

He urged them to remain focused on their respective career paths and uphold the values and standards of the Nigerian Army wherever they were posted.

Speaking on behalf of the departing officers, Brigadier General Oluwasegun Okungbure expressed gratitude to God for His protection and guidance throughout their service in the Division.

Okungbure also appreciated the GOC for organising the ceremony, while thanking the Chief of Staff, commanders, principal staff officers and colleagues for their support and camaraderie.

He assured the GOC that the departing officers would continue to uphold the Division’s values and represent the formation positively in their new assignments.

In a related development, Wase reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to enhance the safety and security of corps members in Kaduna State.

He gave the assurance on October 15, 2026, while receiving the Kaduna State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Abubakar Bawa, during a familiarisation visit to the Division’s headquarters in Kaduna.

Bawa said the visit was intended to formally introduce himself and strengthen the existing relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Army.

He acknowledged the Army’s continued support, particularly in providing security for corps members during orientation exercises, and appealed for sustained cooperation to ensure their safety across the state.

Responding, Wase welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to supporting the NYSC in discharging its statutory responsibilities.

He emphasised the importance of the Scheme in promoting national unity, integration and youth development, assuring the delegation of the Army’s continued cooperation.

The engagements, according to the statement, reflected the Division’s commitment to recognising meritorious service and strengthening partnerships with institutions that contribute to national development and security.

President Bola Tinubu has nominated six persons for positions in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reappointed Dr Bala Bila as a National Commissioner ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The nominations cover four National Commissioner positions and two Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) positions, with the nominees subject to Senate screening and confirmation.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Professor Mustapha Aliu has been nominated to replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the National Commissioner representing the North-West.

Bashir Muhammed Umar was nominated to replace Professor Muhammad Adamu as the North-Central representative, while Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the current REC in Osun State, was nominated as the South-West National Commissioner.

Babalola is expected to succeed Professor Cornelius Ajayi, whose tenure expires on October 24.

For the REC positions, Tinubu nominated retired permanent secretary Dr Samuel Akinjide Akinleye to represent Ekiti State and Zahradden Basiru Sanusi from Jigawa State to replace Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura.

Onanuga said the nominations were necessitated by vacancies arising from the expiration of the tenures of serving officials.

The President urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process to ensure the vacancies are filled ahead of the general elections scheduled for January next year.

The nominees will assume their positions subject to Senate screening and confirmation.