DSS Details Investigation Into NYSC Abduction

An operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) has told an Imo State High Court how investigators identified three men accused of abducting 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State.

The witness, Ikechukwu Emmanuel, who investigated the incident, testified during proceedings involving Usman Aliyu, also known as Chonge; Babangida Aliyu; and Mohamed Ali, popularly called Smallie Pepper.

The defendants are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms in suit number HOU/22C/2026.

Emmanuel told the court, presided over by Justice Emeka Orafu, that victims of the abduction and one of the bus drivers identified the defendants during an identification parade.

Gunmen Abducted 20 Prospective Corps Members

According to the witness, the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on October 1, 2026, when 20 prospective corps members were travelling in two buses from Ibadan to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

He said armed men wielding AK-47 rifles attacked the buses and took all 20 passengers hostage before moving them into a nearby bush.

Following the abduction, security agencies, including the DSS, launched operations using human and technical intelligence to track the suspects and secure the victims’ release.

Emmanuel told the court that the hostages were eventually released after a ransom was paid, while investigations continued to identify those allegedly responsible.

Intelligence Led to Arrests in Rivers, Abia

The DSS operative said intelligence reports indicated that the suspects had moved to Rivers and Abia states, prompting security agencies to track them to those locations.

According to his testimony, the defendants were arrested between October 10 and 14, 2026, during intelligence-led operations.

Investigators subsequently conducted interviews, examined records and analysed information gathered during the investigation, while obtaining statements from the suspects, victims and witnesses.

The identification parade was another part of the process used to establish the defendants’ alleged involvement in the abduction.

Court Hears Evidence as Trial Continues

The testimony forms part of the prosecution’s case against the three defendants, who are accused of participating in the kidnapping.

The court is expected to continue hearing evidence as the prosecution presents its case and the defence responds to the allegations.

The defendants remain accused persons, and the charges against them have not been established by a court.