A family of one of the 20 kidnapped NYSC members has challenged the official account of their release, claiming it paid ₦6 million in ransom despite police attributing the victims’ freedom to a coordinated security operation.
The controversy emerged on Thursday, October 8, 2026, after Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso said he was unaware of any ransom payment made to secure the victims’ release.
The prospective National Youth Service Corps members were abducted on October 1 while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Gunmen intercepted their vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The 20 prospective corps members and another civilian regained their freedom on Wednesday, October 7, following an operation involving multiple security agencies.
Family Claims ₦6m Was Paid for Kidnapped NYSC Member
Alirat Wahab, whose son was among those abducted, told News Central Television that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million per victim.
According to her, the family negotiated with the abductors, who eventually agreed to accept ₦6 million for her son’s release.
Wahab explained that relatives, friends and other well-wishers contributed money, while the family borrowed additional funds to meet the demand.
She also alleged that representatives travelled to Imo State with the money, which was converted into dollars before being delivered to the kidnappers.
Her husband supported the account, insisting that several parents contributed money to secure their children’s freedom.
The family’s claims have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the release.
Imo Police Explain Rescue Operation
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, Commissioner Bosso said the victims were recovered following sustained security operations.
He explained that operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps participated in efforts to locate the abductees.
According to Bosso, security personnel combed areas where intelligence suggested the kidnappers were hiding, forcing the abductors to release their captives.
When questioned about reports that ransom was paid, the commissioner maintained that he had no knowledge of such a payment.
His response did not establish whether families had independently negotiated with the kidnappers.
Rescued NYSC Members Receive Medical Attention
Following their release, the prospective corps members were taken for medical assessment and treatment.
Police confirmed that efforts were continuing to track down the perpetrators.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling to their National Youth Service Corps orientation camps, particularly along highways affected by kidnapping.
Although the victims’ safe return has brought relief to their families, the conflicting accounts leave an important question unanswered: what ultimately secured their freedom?
As of October 8, the family’s reported ransom payment had not been independently established, while police continued to credit sustained security operations for the rescue.
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