Security sources have confirmed the rescue of 20 medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State.
According to Channels Television, the successful operation was coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser, with active involvement from multiple security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and military personnel. The Benue State government also provided crucial support during the operation.
The students, who were abducted last Thursday while travelling through the Otukpo Local Government Area en route to Enugu State, have now regained their freedom. However, details surrounding the rescue operation remain sketchy at this time.
News of the students’ kidnapping had sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, as the incident highlighted the escalating issue of kidnapping in the country. 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. The swift and coordinated efforts of the security forces have now led to the students’ safe return, though further details of the operation are still awaited.