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Security operatives comprising DSS officers, other agencies and local vigilantes have rescued a kidnap victim and neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Imo.

The Department of State Services (DSS) disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Owerri on Sunday.

According to the statement, the operatives rescued 29-year-old Ibeabuchi Adibenma, who was abducted in Orlu Local Government Area.

Adibenma was kidnapped at about 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, around Afor-Ogidi Market in Isiala Amaifeke community.

The victim was reportedly returning from Umuna, Orlu market, when the armed assailants intercepted his vehicle near the market.

The attackers operated on two motorcycles and double-crossed the victim before forcing him to an undisclosed location.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted Adibenma’s family and demanded N15 million ransom for his release.

However, on Aug. 20, security operatives launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victim from his abductors.

According to the DSS, the operation led to Adibenma’s rescue at Ihioma Community in Orlu.

“Two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate were neutralised during the operation, while two high-calibre weapons and ammunition were recovered.”

The rescued victim was subsequently taken into protective custody before being reunited with his family.

The DSS commended the coordinated efforts of the participating security agencies and local vigilantes in securing the victim’s safe release.

The successful operation also highlights ongoing security efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities in communities across Imo.

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The remains of Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, have arrived in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, ahead of his burial on Monday.

The development was confirmed by some of those who accompanied the remains and through videos circulating on social media.

In one of the videos, one of Ogogo’s daughters was seen accompanying the remains. Traditional authorities were also present, with the staff of office of a traditional ruler brought to receive the late actor.

Ogogo’s remains were taken to Ilaro on Sunday following his death earlier that day at the age of 66.

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko had announced on Sunday that Ogogo’s remains would be taken to Ilaro, where a lying in state ceremony would be held on Monday.

Jide said the ceremony would take place at 11am at the Pavilion in Ilaro.

The Ilaro Muslim Community also announced that the burial prayer would hold at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion Ground at 10am on Monday, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Ogogo died at about 3pm on Sunday, after battling stage four cancer. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Kira Taiwo, during an emotional Instagram Live session.

His death came only days after his daughters, Lima and Kira, publicly appealed for medical assistance for their father.

On August 17, Lima said the actor was battling stage four cancer and appealed to hospitals, medical professionals and other well wishers to help the family find treatment for him. She said his condition had deteriorated and that some hospitals had refused to continue treating him.

The family had also previously dismissed reports that Ogogo had died. On August 18, Lima described the report as false after a social media post claimed that the actor had passed away.

Ogogo, who was born in Ilaro, built a career spanning several decades as an actor, filmmaker and director and became one of the recognised figures in cinema.

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A fresh twist as emerged as the coordinator of the purported National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, has released an appointment letter bearing the letterhead of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

Nwabueze shared the document on his LinkedIn page on Saturday amid controversy surrounding the alleged establishment and operation of the agency within the OSGF.

The President also ordered the suspension of three permanent secretaries allegedly linked to the operation and directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the agency’s creation and activities.

ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, said the discovery was made during investigations into the activities of the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and other breaches of government procedures.

The appointment letter released by Nwabueze is dated October 3, 2025, with reference number OSGF/MIN/59310/11/205. It was purportedly signed by Nadungu Gagare, identified in the document as Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office.

Titled “Appointment as National Coordinator and Executive Director Made in Nigeria Project Office,” the letter stated that Nwabueze had been appointed National Coordinator/Executive Director of the Made in Nigeria Project Office under the OSGF.

It said the appointment followed an assessment of his commitment, contribution and capacity to deliver on the mandate of the Special Project Office.

According to the document, the appointment was for a five-year tenure commencing from July 2025 and was renewable.

The letter assigned Nwabueze responsibility for overseeing the development of programmes, projects and policies, as well as supervising regional and state coordinators.

He was also expected to organise exhibitions, trade expos and economic summits aimed at promoting indigenous products and services and supporting economic development.

The document further stated that the project office was to operate from a temporary office at Room B53, Ground Floor, within the OSGF Complex.

It added that the appointment was subject to the pleasure of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and was aligned with the objectives of the Made in Nigeria initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Meanwhile, TheCable reported that Nwabueze had also written to several state governments seeking the nomination of state coordinators for the purported Made in Nigeria Project Office.

The development comes as the Federal Government intensifies investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged agency and the individuals and officials connected with its operations.