The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Sunday, August 25, that the leader of the gang involved in kidnapping medical students, who were rescued on Friday, has been arrested. Egbetokun shared this news while handing over the 20 rescued students to the Vice Chancellors of the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.
He also mentioned that the police rescued seven other kidnapped victims along with the 20 students. The IGP emphasized that no ransom was paid to secure their release.
The medical students, who were kidnapped on August 15, arrived at Force Headquarters with the IGP around 5:30 pm on Sunday. They were released on Friday.
Egbetokun said, “Today, I’m relieved to inform you about a successful operation by the Nigeria Police Force, which led to the rescue of 27 people on August 22, 2024. Among them were 20 medical students from the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, who were kidnapped on August 15 while traveling to a conference in Enugu. Five other passengers and two more victims were also freed from these criminals.
“This successful rescue was done without paying any ransom. It was possible because of our security intelligence, teamwork with other security agencies, community partnerships, and the bravery of our skilled officers. During the operation, our officers engaged the kidnappers in a well-planned offensive. The leader of this notorious gang was neutralized during the exchange of fire with our operatives, and his weapon was recovered. Two other gang members were arrested. These individuals are now in custody and providing important information that will help us dismantle their criminal network and prevent future kidnappings.
“Rescue operations like this are difficult and complex, requiring careful planning and coordination. I want to thank the Office of the National Security Adviser for their support in this operation. I also appreciate the contributions of other security agencies and local vigilantes who played key roles in making this mission successful. This success shows what we can achieve when we work together.
“I want to address all Nigerians, especially the families of those who have been victims of such crimes. We understand the anxiety and pain during these times, but we ask you to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies. Only through cooperation and trust can we effectively secure lives and property. We are committed to ridding our nation of criminals who disrupt peace and security. The Nigeria Police Force will continue to use all legal means to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians and ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
“As we continue our efforts to fight crime across the country, I assure you that we will stay vigilant, proactive, and relentless in our pursuit of a safer Nigeria, where the security of every Nigerian and resident is our top priority. We won’t rest until every citizen can go about their daily lives without fear. I commend the bravery and professionalism of our officers, and I thank everyone who contributed to this operation. Together, we will continue to work towards a safer, more secure Nigeria.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, expressed happiness over the rescue of the 20 medical students. He said, “We will do everything possible to make them comfortable in school.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, said, “As a university, we have arranged to provide counseling and guidance to the students before they are reintegrated into society. We may assume they are not traumatized because they look healthy, but we believe they need counseling to overcome the trauma they experienced.”
One of the parents, John Enger, speaking on behalf of the others, expressed gratitude for the rescue of their children. He urged security operatives to do more to rescue others still in captivity. Enger said, “We were desperate as parents. Anxiety was everywhere. You couldn’t work or sleep. We had these challenges, but we are grateful that the security operatives rescued them without paying anything. We are very thankful to everyone involved, including the president and the NSA. We now have more confidence in the security forces.”
The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, encouraged the students not to be discouraged by their abduction. The governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglegba, said, “Despite what happened, go and be successful. Prove that Nigeria didn’t save you for nothing. Be the best you can be in your studies. To the parents who stood and prayed with us, thank you. The whole country was praying for you, and now you must prove Nigeria right by being the best doctors or whatever you’re studying. To the police, thank you.”
The governor praised the president and noted that the security situation in the state is improving. He said, “Things have gotten better with the current government. The large-scale killings that used to happen in Benue have been reduced to a minimum. We’re not there yet, but we’re making progress.”
