Twenty medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State have been rescued in a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
The rescue, which took place on Friday night, was confirmed by security sources who spoke with Channels TV.
The operation was led by the office of the National Security Adviser and involved the police, Department of State Services (DSS), military personnel, and equipment, with support from the Benue State government.
The students were abducted on Thursday evening around 5:30 pm while traveling in a convoy of two buses en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.
The group, who were coming from the northern part of the country, was ambushed during their journey. The kidnappers later contacted the families of the students, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.
Though the students have now regained their freedom, security sources have indicated that details of the rescue operation remain sketchy at this time. The successful rescue operation highlights the collaborative efforts of Nigeria’s security forces and the continued support of the Benue State government in ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The news of the students’ safe return is a significant relief to their families and the broader community, who had been anxiously awaiting their release.
