The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 20 medical students and their accompanying doctors who were kidnapped in Benue State.
The victims were held captive in the Ntunkon forest, ADO Local Government Area, and were freed without any ransom being paid.
The abduction, which occurred on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, as the students were en route to a medical convention, sent shockwaves through the nation.
News of the kidnapping hit the media space last Friday, drawing widespread condemnation from Nigerians who decried the rising rate of kidnappings in the country.
A few days after the abduction, the captors contacted the victims' families, demanding a hefty ransom of ₦50 million for their release.
Responding swiftly, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered an immediate rescue operation.
In a statement, the IGP described the kidnapping as “truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable.”
The rescue mission, led by the office of the National Security Adviser, was executed with precision.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the operation involved three helicopters and resulted in the arrest or neutralization of several suspects. "Without any ransom paid.
Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid. No kobo was paid to release them.
They were actually rescued tactically and professionally," the statement clarified.
The IGP commended the security agencies, locals, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for their commitment and resilience. He also appealed to the public for actionable intelligence to aid ongoing investigations.
"The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and it will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and the rule of law throughout the country," he added.
I don’t think they rescued them o, I think the parents of the doctors actually paid the ransom