The twenty medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State have been successfully rescued, according to security sources.
The high-stakes rescue operation was coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser and involved a concerted effort from various security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and military personnel, with substantial support from the Benue State government.
While the students have now regained their freedom, specific details of the rescue operation remain undisclosed.
Security forces have been tight-lipped about the exact nature of the mission, likely due to ongoing security protocols and the need to protect operational strategies.
The news of the students’ abduction sparking widespread outrage across Nigeria. The incident highlighted the escalating kidnapping crisis in the country, drawing sharp condemnation from citizens and officials alike.
The students, who were traveling from the northern part of the country to Enugu State for a program, encountered the bandits while passing through the Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State.
The ill-fated journey began as a routine trip for the students, who were travelling in a convoy of two buses. They were ambushed by the kidnappers on Thursday evening around 5:30 pm. The sudden attack left the students and their families in a state of shock and distress.
In the immediate aftermath of the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the families of the victims, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for their release. The ransom demand added to the urgency and gravity of the situation, prompting a swift and coordinated response from the national security apparatus.
The successful rescue of the students is a testament to the effective collaboration between various security agencies and the Benue State government. It also underscores the critical role of the National Security Adviser in orchestrating complex and sensitive operations aimed at safeguarding citizens’ lives and property.