More details have emerged about the dramatic rescue operation that freed 20 abducted medical students and seven others in Benue State.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were kidnapped by bandits while traveling to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention.
According to sources close to the operation who spoke with Punch, a combined force of military personnel, the Department of State Services (DSS), and police officers successfully rescued the hostages.
The rescue operation involved intense tracking and the use of both land and air assets, including helicopters and drones. During the operation, one of the kidnappers was shot dead, and two suspects were arrested.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had earlier ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and resources to ensure the swift rescue of the abducted students.
An officer involved in the operation revealed that the security agents tracked the kidnappers’ location, leading to a confrontation in which one of the suspects was neutralized.
The source said, “The operation was coordinated by the National Security Adviser in Abuja. The kidnapped medical students were tracked down around Ajide forest in Ukwonyo council ward, Ado LGA of Benue State.
“You will observe that some helicopters had been hovering around in the past few days while officers, comprising the military, DSS, and the police were deployed.
“Luckily, we were able to get the spot on Friday while they (kidnappers) tried to shield themselves with the victims. But with massive pressure, they tried to escape and in the process, one of them was neutralised and two apprehended.”
Another source, who corroborated the account, told the platform that the students were immediately taken to Abuja.
“They should be reunited with their loved ones by Monday or Tuesday,” he added.
The 20 medical students were taken to the National Intelligence Agency clinic for treatment.
A source said the students were undergoing medical checks alongside some youth corps members who were recently rescued from their abductors.
“The rescued students were taken to the NIA complex where they are undergoing medical screening following their traumatic experience in the hands of their kidnappers,” the source said.
