NYSC Corps Kidnap: DSS Arraigns Five Suspects 

By Molayo Anjorin

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects in the alleged abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo state.

The suspects were arraigned on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, before the Justice Oputa state high court in Owerri, following their arrest during intelligence-led operations in Rivers and Abia states, October 10–14.

FactualTimes previously reported that the abduction occurred on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway near Umunoha in Mbaitoli local government area. The victims were en route to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states from Ibadan, when they were intercepted by gunmen who abducted them.

The security operatives rescued the victims on October 7 from Amakohia-Ubi village in Owerri West local government area.

The arrests followed a joint security operation by the DSS, military and police. Three other suspected gang members were also reported to have evaded capture with gunshot wounds. Authorities are still searching for them.

A security source described the arrests as a great relief, saying they had been on a manhunt for the abductors and were elated that they had been captured.

“This is a huge sigh of relief. Security agencies have been on a manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured. We strongly believe they will be charged in court by DSS, and the corps members will get justice,” the source said.

The source further stated that they were determined to see justice done for the victims.

The arraignment is a big step towards prosecuting those alleged to have abducted the NYSC members. However, the suspects are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.