The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five suspects over their alleged involvement in the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State.
The suspects were arrested during intelligence-led operations conducted between October 10 and 14 in Rivers and Abia states, according to reports on the arrests.
Their arraignment marks a step in the investigation into the abduction, which raised concerns over the safety of prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps and other destinations for the mandatory national service scheme.
The five suspects are expected to face legal proceedings over their alleged roles in the kidnapping. However, the specific charges brought against them, the court where they were arraigned and their pleas were not provided in the available report.
The DSS has not been reported as disclosing further details of the suspects’ alleged individual roles in the crime.
The case comes amid persistent concerns about kidnapping and other security threats along parts of Nigeria’s highways, particularly in the South-East and South-South, where criminal gangs have targeted travellers and other road users.
Prospective corps members are among those who travel across state boundaries to participate in the NYSC programme, making security along major transport routes a continuing concern.
The NYSC scheme, established in 1973, requires eligible Nigerian graduates to undertake a year of national service, including an orientation course and subsequent deployment to places of primary assignment.
The arraignment is expected to provide an opportunity for the court to consider the allegations against the defendants as the case progresses.
The victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area. They were subsequently taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary checks.
Before the rescue, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, said security operatives had located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but faced difficulties advancing because the location was reportedly planted with improvised explosive devices.
The subsequent intelligence-led operations in Rivers and Abia states resulted in the arrest of five suspects. Reports on the arrests also indicated that three other suspected gang members escaped with gunshot injuries, prompting a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.