OWERRI, Nigeria: Operatives of Nigeria’s Department of State Services rescued a 29-year-old kidnapped man and killed two suspected kidnappers during an operation in Imo State on August 20, 2026.
A statement from the Department of State Services Imo State Command detailed the rescue operation. Okay News reports that the Department of State Services conducted the raid alongside other security organizations and local vigilantes in the Ihioma Community of the Orlu Local Government Area.
The victim, Ibeabuchi Adibenma, was abducted at 7:00 p.m. WAT on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, near the Afor-Ogidi Market in the Isiala Amaifeke Community while returning from the International Market in Umuna. The agency said, “The armed assailants, reportedly operating on two motorcycles, were said to have intercepted and double-crossed the victim’s vehicle before forcing him to an undisclosed location.”
The suspects demanded a ransom of N15 million (approximately $9,375 USD). The agency said, “Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s family and demanded a ransom of N15 million for his release.”
Joint security forces located the suspects two days later. The agency said, “However, in the early hours of Thursday, August 20, security operatives launched a coordinated operation that led to the victim’s rescue at Ihioma Community, Orlu.” The agency further said, “Two suspected members of the kidnap syndicate were neutralized during the operation, while two high-caliber weapons and ammunition were recovered.”
The operation concluded with the extraction of the hostage. The agency said, “The victim was subsequently taken into protective custody and later reunited with his family.”
