Five suspects have been arrested and charged over the abduction of 20 National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State, Nigeria.
The incident happened on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day, along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway.
The corps members were travelling to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen stopped their vehicles.
All 20 victims were rescued a week later on October 7, during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi village.
Intelligence operations led to the arrest of the five men between October 10 and 14 in Port Harcourt and Aba.
Three other members of the gang reportedly escaped during the operation with gunshot wounds.
The suspects have been identified and arraigned before the Imo State High Court on charges of conspiracy, hostage-taking and unlawful possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services says the arrests mark a major breakthrough in the case.
Authorities have reassured the public that efforts to track down the remaining suspects are ongoing.