ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian police authorities announced Saturday the release of twenty medical and dental students who were kidnapped last week in the north-central state of Benue.
The students were abducted by armed gunmen while traveling to a convention in the southeastern state of Enugu. Nigerian police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed their release in a statement posted on social media platform X.
“We confirm the release on Friday of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity in Ntunkon forest, Benue state,” Adejobi said.
The police spokesperson stated that no ransom was paid for the students’ release, describing the operation as a “tactical and professional” rescue.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of kidnappings in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs have been abducting villagers, students, and motorists for ransom. Security forces have struggled to put an end to these practices.
The successful rescue operation comes as a relief to the victims’ families and highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in combating kidnapping and other forms of organized crime.
