Security sources have confirmed the successful rescue of 20 medical students who were abducted in Benue State last week.
The operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser, with the involvement of multiple security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and military personnel. The Benue State government also provided crucial support during the rescue mission.
The students, who were kidnapped on August 16 while travelling through the Otukpo Local Government Area en route to Enugu State, have now regained their freedom.
The victims, travelling in a convoy of two buses from the northern region of Nigeria, were ambushed by bandits around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers established contact with the victims' families, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.
However, the swift and coordinated efforts of the security forces have now led to the students' safe return, without any ransom being paid.
The successful operation comes just days after the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, deployed his tactical squad to Benue State and relocated the State Commissioner of Police to Otukpo LGA to oversee the rescue mission.
The news of the students' kidnapping had sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, as the incident highlighted the escalating issue of kidnapping in the country.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had expressed grave concern for the safety and well-being of these aspiring medical professionals, emphasizing the need for prompt action to ensure their return.
