The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, has denied knowledge of any ransom payment for the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road.
Bosso said the victims were rescued following sustained pressure from a joint security operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Speaking during a television interview on Thursday, the commissioner said security operatives combed the bushes around Amako community after receiving intelligence about the abduction.
According to him, the sustained operation forced the kidnappers to release the victims, while security personnel continued efforts to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
However, his statement contrasts with claims by relatives of the abducted prospective corps members, who reportedly paid ransom to secure their loved ones’ freedom.
The mother of one of the victims disclosed that her family paid ₦6 million in dollars after the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million for each abducted person.
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She explained that the abductors rejected the family’s initial offer of ₦500,000 and threatened to kill the victims before eventually agreeing to the reduced amount.
The woman also said parents of the victims in Ibadan coordinated their efforts to raise and deliver the ransom in Imo State.
Responding to reports that the families collectively paid about ₦120 million, Bosso said he was unaware of any ransom payment, stressing that security agencies carried out their responsibilities professionally.
Meanwhile, the commissioner disclosed that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention at a DSS hospital and would be handed over to the Director-General of the NYSC after the necessary procedures.
He added that the Inspector-General of Police had deployed additional tactical teams, mobile police personnel and intelligence response units to strengthen security along the Owerri–Onitsha Road and other identified flashpoints in Imo State.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
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