The Imo State Police Command has said it is not aware that any ransom was paid to secure the release of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and another person abducted in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, disclosed this during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday.
Bosso said the abductors eventually released the victims after coming under sustained pressure from security agencies involved in the rescue operation.
“I am not aware that any ransom was paid. The security agencies mounted pressure on the kidnappers and combed the forest in the course of the operation,” he said.
The victims were abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Following the incident, security agencies commenced a coordinated search for the abducted corps members and their captors.
The police had earlier disclosed that drone surveillance helped operatives locate the kidnappers’ camp. However, security personnel were initially unable to access the location after it was reportedly discovered that the area had been planted with improvised explosive devices.
As the operation intensified, the police deployed additional operational assets to facilitate the rescue of the victims.
The abduction had generated concerns among relatives of the victims after reports emerged that the kidnappers were demanding N50m for each abducted corps member.
The police subsequently confirmed the rescue of 10 victims, while efforts continued to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
The remaining victims were eventually freed from the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday following a coordinated operation by security agencies.
Bosso said the rescued victims were receiving attention at the office of the Department of State Services.
The latest development brings to an end the ordeal of the 20 prospective corps members and the other victim, who have now regained their freedom and are receiving medical attention in Owerri.
