Security forces have successfully rescued 20 medical students and seven others who were abducted in Benue State, Nigeria.
The rescue operation, which involved a coordinated effort by the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and police, led to the death of one suspected kidnapper, while two others were apprehended.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were on their way to a medical convention in Enugu when they were kidnapped by armed bandits. The abduction sparked widespread concern, prompting the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy specialized units, including helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles, to locate and rescue the victims.
According to a source involved in the operation, the kidnapped students were tracked to Ajide forest in the Ado Local Government Area of Benue State. The security teams, using both land and air resources, were able to pinpoint the location of the captors. During the operation, the kidnappers attempted to flee, but one was neutralized, and two were captured.
The rescued students were immediately taken to Abuja, where they received medical attention at the National Intelligence Agency clinic. This included a thorough medical screening to address the trauma they endured during their captivity. The police have confirmed that no ransom was paid for their release, emphasizing that the operation was carried out with tactical precision.
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Families of the rescued students expressed profound relief and gratitude upon hearing the news. The parents of one of the students, Kingsley Fagar, shared their joy and relief, recounting how their son had narrowly escaped a similar traumatic experience two years earlier.
The successful rescue operation has been met with celebration and praise, especially among the student communities of the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos. The students expressed their appreciation for the swift action taken by the security forces and are eager for their colleagues to return to their studies.
This operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts in addressing the growing threat of kidnapping in the region. The authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to combat such crimes and ensure the safety of citizens.
