In a dramatic rescue operation, a combined team of military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives successfully freed 20 medical students and seven others who were abducted by bandits in Benue State. The operation, coordinated by the National Security Adviser in Abuja, culminated in the death of one suspected kidnapper and the arrest of two others.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were en route to Enugu for a Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ convention when they were kidnapped. Their abduction triggered widespread outrage, prompting swift action from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who ordered the deployment of advanced tactical assets, including helicopters and drones.
The rescue operation targeted the Ajide forest in the Ukwonyo council ward, Ado LGA of Benue State, where the kidnappers were holding the students. Under intense pressure, the kidnappers attempted to flee, resulting in a shootout in which one suspect was killed, and two others were captured.
Following their rescue, the students were taken to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) clinic in Abuja for medical treatment, alongside some youth corps members who had also recently been rescued. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that no ransom was paid for the students’ release, emphasizing the professionalism and tactical expertise involved in the operation.
Parents of the rescued students expressed immense relief and gratitude. Cecilia Fagar, mother of Kingsley, a 500-level medical student from the University of Jos, recounted her fear during her son’s captivity. Kingsley had previously survived a near-death experience during a religious crisis in 2022, making this latest ordeal even more harrowing for his family.
The news of the students’ release brought joy and relief to their communities. Sympathizers and well-wishers flocked to the homes of the students’ families, celebrating their safe return. In Maiduguri, students of the University of Maiduguri rejoiced over the rescue of their eight colleagues, expressing gratitude to the security forces and the government for their swift and effective response.
