By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to deploy all available intelligence and security resources to secure the immediate and safe rescue of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other travellers reportedly abducted in Imo State.

In a statement dated October 4, 2026, and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the association described the operation as an urgent national security priority following reports that the kidnappers’ forest hideout had been discovered and surrounded by improvised explosive devices.

HURIWA warned that the explosives and difficult terrain must not become excuses for prolonged delays in rescuing the victims.

The association called on the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Air Force to establish a unified rescue command, bringing together specialists in hostage rescue, explosive ordnance disposal, intelligence gathering and jungle operations.

“The association demands that security agencies must not allow the mined forest terrain to become an excuse for prolonged delay in rescuing the victims,” HURIWA said.

It also urged security agencies to maintain continuous aerial surveillance and ground intelligence around the reported hideout to prevent the kidnappers from moving the victims or harming them.

According to the group, security forces should establish a secure perimeter, block possible escape routes and use lawful means to isolate the kidnappers while creating a safe corridor for recovering the hostages.

HURIWA further called for the deployment of bomb-disposal experts and appropriate armoured equipment to address the explosive threats before any ground assault is attempted.

However, the association stressed that the safety of the abducted corps members and other travellers must remain paramount throughout the operation.

“The safety of the hostages must remain the overriding consideration throughout the operation,” the statement said, warning against reckless actions that could expose the victims to greater danger.

The group also urged security agencies to provide regular and credible updates to the victims’ families and establish a dedicated communication channel through which relatives could receive verified information about the rescue effort.

Beyond securing the hostages’ release, HURIWA called for intelligence-led efforts to identify and apprehend the kidnappers and their collaborators.

“Those responsible for the abduction must be tracked, arrested and prosecuted after the victims have been safely recovered,” the association stated.

It also demanded urgent medical, psychological and welfare support for the victims following their release, citing the trauma associated with prolonged captivity.

HURIWA said the incident should not be treated as an isolated kidnapping case, arguing that security incidents involving corps members had persisted since 2015 and intensified since 2023.

The association said the situation raised serious questions about the safety of a scheme that requires young Nigerians to travel across the country for compulsory national service.

It consequently renewed its call for a comprehensive review of the NYSC scheme, including consideration of a one-year suspension to allow the Federal Government to develop a credible and sustainable security framework.

However, HURIWA stressed that the immediate concern must remain the safe return of those currently in captivity.

“The immediate priority is not the future of the NYSC scheme but the lives of those currently in captivity,” the association said.

It urged the Federal Government and security agencies to treat the rescue as an emergency operation and act with urgency, coordination and determination.

HURIWA concluded that every minute mattered in a hostage situation and called on the authorities to do everything within their lawful powers to bring the abducted corps members and other travellers home safely.