The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects before the Imo State High Court over the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State on 1 October 2026.
The suspects, identified as Mohammed Ali, Usman Aliyu, Babangida Aliyu, Ibrahim Jiji and Aminu Haliru, were arrested during intelligence-led operations in Rivers and Abia states between 10 and 14 October.
Security operatives, including DSS personnel, soldiers and police officers, took part in the operations.
Reports indicate that other members of the suspected criminal gang escaped with gunshot injuries. Security agencies have continued efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
The 20 prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when the abduction occurred.
The incident raised concerns about the safety of prospective corps members travelling across state lines to begin their national service.
However, security operatives rescued the 20 prospective corps members and another passenger on 7 October 2026.
The rescue operation took place at Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The DSS has now arraigned five suspects in connection with the abduction. Further details about the charges and the court proceedings were not provided in the information available.
The case follows a series of security operations aimed at identifying and apprehending those suspected of involvement in the kidnapping.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the remaining suspects or confirmed whether additional arrests have been made.
The arraignment marks a new stage in the legal proceedings over the abduction of the prospective corps members.
