The Igbo National Council (INC) has demanded a transparent investigation into the reported release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members allegedly abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State on 1 October 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, 9 October, the council called on the Nigeria Police Force and the military to intensify efforts to locate the suspected kidnappers, search their hideouts and arrest those responsible.
The statement was signed by INC Worldwide President, Chilos Godsent.
The council said the circumstances surrounding the reported release required clarification. It also called on security agencies to verify the identities and welfare of all affected persons and establish whether any suspects had been arrested.
However, the INC said its demand for transparency did not amount to an assertion that the reported release had been stage-managed.
The council urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Imo State to coordinate security operations targeting suspected kidnapping hideouts and locations linked to the abduction.
It also called for intelligence-led investigations to identify everyone connected to the incident and prosecute suspects in accordance with the law.
The INC further urged the Imo State Police Command to issue a factual briefing on the reported release, the status of the victims, the progress of investigations and measures to prevent further attacks.
In addition, the council called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, vetted community vigilante groups and local security structures to improve intelligence gathering and forest surveillance.
It also urged authorities to increase patrols, strengthen rapid-response arrangements and monitor identified kidnapping hotspots along the highway and surrounding communities.
The INC described the abduction of prospective corps members travelling to serve their country as a serious security concern.
The council called on residents to provide credible information to security agencies and avoid circulating unverified reports that could endanger citizens or compromise security operations.
It urged the police and other security agencies to act with urgency, professionalism and transparency, adding that efforts must focus on protecting victims and bringing those responsible to justice
