UNRS Appeals To Interior Minister Over Alleged Illegal Detention Of 48 Volunteers By NSCDC In Akwa Ibom

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A humanitarian and volunteer rescue organisation, the Uniquely Network Rescue Service (UNRS-Nigeria), has appealed to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to urgently intervene in the alleged unlawful detention of about 48 of its members by the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The group, in a press conference held in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State, on Monday, claimed that the volunteers had remained in detention for over three days following their arrest in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to the organisation, the affected persons include students, civil servants, clergymen, professionals, pregnant women, and other members of the volunteer rescue network who were reportedly participating in preparatory activities ahead of the official commissioning of the Akwa Ibom State Administrative Command of the organisation.

In a statement signed by the Director of Information of UNRS-Nigeria, Ajayi Ayodeji Johnson, the organisation alleged that the arrests were carried out on Friday, May 29, 2026, between 4 pm and 5 pm, under the directive of the Akwa Ibom State NSCDC Commandant, Mrs Geraldine Abetianbe.

The group explained that its officers, led by one of its team leaders, Mr Ude Ejike Ezekiel, were at the venue of the proposed commissioning ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 30, when NSCDC operatives allegedly stormed the location and arrested members already present at the venue.

UNRS further alleged that Bishop Favour Adeshina Adekunle, who reportedly visited the NSCDC command headquarters to seek clarification and facilitate the release of the detained members, was also arrested and denied access to interaction with others.

The organisation claimed that the arrests may have been linked to disagreements over what it described as “in-house arrangements” involving the state command of the NSCDC, an allegation which it said raises concerns about abuse of office and misuse of authority if proven true.

“Our officers were engaged in lawful humanitarian and rescue-related activities aimed at supporting emergency response, disaster management, and the protection of lives and government properties,” the statement read.

The group warned that continued detention of the volunteers without clear charges could undermine public confidence in security institutions and discourage volunteer organisations that complement government efforts in emergency response and crime prevention.

UNRS, which described itself as a volunteer humanitarian and rescue organisation undergoing affiliation processing with an international rescue body linked to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, said its members are trained to assist in disaster management, crime reporting, conflict prevention, and rescue operations.

The organisation appealed to the Interior Minister to order the immediate and unconditional release of the detained volunteers and ensure that a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted into the circumstances surrounding the arrests.

“We respectfully appeal to the Federal Government to investigate the conduct of all parties involved and ensure justice is served. These are citizens who claim to be contributing to humanitarian and rescue services in their communities,” the statement added.

As of the time of filing this report, the Akwa Ibom State Command of the NSCDC had not issued an official response to the allegations.