Security forces have successfully rescued 20 medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State.
The operation, which was coordinated by the National Security Adviser’s office, involved multiple security agencies, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and military personnel. The Benue State government also played a pivotal role in supporting the mission.
The students were abducted last Thursday while traveling through Otukpo Local Government Area on their way to Enugu State. Although they have now regained their freedom, specific details of the rescue operation are still emerging.
The abduction had sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, highlighting the growing problem of kidnapping in the country. The victims, who were traveling in a convoy of two buses from northern Nigeria, were ambushed by bandits around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the students’ families and demanded a ₦50 million ransom for their release. However, the swift and coordinated response from security forces led to the students’ safe return. Further details of the operation are still awaited.
