Security agencies have delayed an assault on the suspected hideout of kidnappers holding prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State. This followed intelligence which indicated that the camp had been planted with improvised explosive devices. Notably, this relates to the recent Oyo corps members kidnapping case.
According to The PUNCH, Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso said security operatives had located the suspected camp after trailing the kidnappers. They also deployed drones amid the ongoing Oyo corps members kidnapping response.
“The drone actually showed us exactly their location,” Bosso said.
“But our predicament is that with the intel we have, the camp is mined with IEDs.”
Police plan bulldozer, APC operation
Bosso said security agencies were preparing a more heavily protected operation to enter the area. Clearly, security forces’ actions are being closely monitored due to the Oyo corps members kidnapping incident.
“We’re moving in there with bulldozers and APCs to see how we’re going to rescue these victims unhurt,” he said.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye also said security operatives were “closing in on the kidnappers” as the Oyo corps members kidnapping continues to draw national attention.
IGP deploys senior officers
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Shehu Nadada and two commissioners of police to Imo State. This will reinforce the operation.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan in two buses to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom. Meanwhile, gunmen attacked them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
Families dispute rescue figures
Parents of the victims have disputed earlier police claims that 10 passengers were rescued.
They said 30 people were travelling in the buses, with 10 escaping through the bush and 20 being taken away.
The families also said the kidnappers demanded N50 million for each captive, amounting to N1 billion. They also issued a 24-hour deadline.
Security agencies said efforts were continuing to rescue the victims without harm.
