Details have emerged regarding the rescue operation of the 20 abducted medical students and seven others in Benue State.
Security forces, including the military, Department of State Services (DSS), and the police, successfully freed the captives, killing one of the suspected kidnappers and arresting two others.
The students, who hail from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were on their way to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention when they were taken hostage by armed bandits. The abduction sparked widespread outrage, prompting Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to order the deployment of tactical units, including helicopters, drones, and specialized vehicles, to ensure a swift rescue.
According to The Punch, a security officer involved in the operation revealed that a combination of ground and aerial assets was used to track down the kidnappers’ location. The officer stated, “The operation was coordinated by the National Security Adviser in Abuja. The kidnapped students were traced to the Ajide forest in Ukwonyo council ward, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State. The kidnappers attempted to shield themselves using the hostages, but the overwhelming pressure from the operatives forced them to flee. One of the kidnappers was neutralized, and two others were captured.”
Following their rescue, the students were transported to Abuja, where they were taken to the National Intelligence Agency clinic for medical evaluation. Sources indicate that the rescued students are undergoing medical checks, alongside recently freed youth corps members who were also abducted.
Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed the rescue on Friday night, emphasizing that no ransom was paid. He stated, “The release of our brothers and sisters, along with other Nigerians who had been in captivity since August 23, 2024, in Ntunkon forest, Benue State, was secured without the payment of any ransom. Contrary to some reports, no money was exchanged. The rescue was conducted tactically and professionally.”
In response to the news, the parents of one of the rescued students, Donald and Cecilia Fagar, expressed their relief, noting that they had almost lost hope. Cecilia recounted the trauma her son, Kingsley, a 500-level medical student at the University of Jos, had endured. “This is the second time my son has faced such a harrowing experience. The first time was during a religious crisis in 2022 when he narrowly escaped death. We are grateful to God for his safe return,” she said.
Meanwhile, sympathizers and well-wishers visited the home of Paul Shantong, another rescued student, to celebrate his release. Paul’s mother expressed her gratitude, saying, “I don’t know how to thank God for ensuring the freedom of my son and his colleagues. It was a terrible experience, but we are thankful for the positive outcome.”
Students at the University of Maiduguri also celebrated the release of their eight colleagues. Muhammad Bello, President of the Student Union Government, described the rescue as a moment of renewed hope. Yakubu Abdul, President of the University of Maiduguri Medical and Dental Students Association, added, “Our students have been celebrating both online and offline. We eagerly await their return so they can resume their academic activities.”
The operation’s success has been widely praised, with students and families expressing their gratitude to the security agencies and the government for their swift and effective response.
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