UNRS appeals to Interior Minister over detention of 48 volunteers in Akwa Ibom

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

Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan on Monday, the organisation said the volunteers had been held for more than three days after being arrested in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to UNRS, those detained include students, civil servants, clergy members, professionals, pregnant women, and other volunteers. The group said they were taking part in preparations for the official launch of its Akwa Ibom State Administrative Command.

In a statement signed by the organisation’s Director of Information, Ajayi Ayodeji Johnson, UNRS claimed that the arrests took place on May 29, 2026, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., allegedly on the orders of the Akwa Ibom NSCDC Commandant, Mrs. Geraldine Abetianbe.

The organisation said its members, led by team leader Ude Ejike Ezekiel, were at the venue of a planned commissioning ceremony when NSCDC officers reportedly arrived and arrested those present.

UNRS also alleged that Bishop Favour Adeshina Adekunle was arrested after visiting the NSCDC headquarters to seek information about the detained members and request their release.

The group suggested that the arrests may be connected to disagreements involving the state NSCDC command, raising concerns about possible abuse of authority if the allegations are confirmed.

UNRS stated that its members were carrying out lawful humanitarian and rescue activities aimed at supporting emergency response, disaster management, and the protection of lives and property.

The organisation warned that detaining volunteers without clear charges could damage public trust in security agencies and discourage volunteer groups that support government efforts in emergency and rescue services.

UNRS described itself as a volunteer rescue organisation currently seeking affiliation with an international rescue body linked to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. It said its members are trained in disaster response, crime reporting, conflict prevention, and rescue operations.

The group appealed to the Minister of Interior to ensure the immediate release of the detained volunteers and order an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests.

UNRS also called on the Federal Government to investigate the actions of everyone involved and ensure justice is served.

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