Twenty medical students kidnapped in Benue State have been rescued in a successful operation coordinated by the National Security Adviser’s office. The rescue mission, which involved the police, DSS, military personnel, and support from the Benue State government, marks a significant victory against the rising wave of kidnappings in the region.
The students were abducted last Thursday while traveling through Otukpo Local Government Area en route to Enugu State for a program. The attackers, suspected to be bandits, ambushed the convoy of two buses carrying the students. A ransom demand of ₦50 million was later made by the captors, who contacted the families of the victims.
Responding to the abduction, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered an immediate deployment of tactical units, helicopters, drones, and specialized vehicles to ensure the safe recovery of the students. The swift action of the security forces, combined with advanced technology and local intelligence, led to the successful rescue of all hostages.
While details of the operation remain scarce, the rescue has brought relief to the victims’ families and the public, highlighting the commitment of security agencies to tackle the kidnapping menace in Benue and across Nigeria.
