Kidnapped 20 Medical Students Rescued Without Payment Of Ransom – Police

The Nigeria Police Force has sad that the combined tireless efforts and strategic collaboration of security agencies including local communities, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led to the successful rescue of the 20 medical students kidnapped on August 15, 2024 in Benue State.

The Fore also said that no ransom was paid whatsoever for the release of the medical students and several other victims that were successfully rescued from captivity in Ntunkon forest, Benue State which took place on Friday, August 23, 2024.

These were contained in a post by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on his X handle on Saturday morning.

ACP Adejobi explained that security operatives employed tactical and professional tactics to secure the release of the captives thus, expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the operation, including security agencies, locals, and ONSA, for their unwavering commitment and resilience.

A colleague of the kidnapped students had told the media a day after their abduction that the kidnappers made a demand of N50 million ransom.

However, Adejobi said; “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,” Adejobi posted.

The medical students were kidnapped on August 15, but, rescued on Friday, August 23, 2024.

The police did not however state if any of the kidnappers was arrested or killed.

Adejobi further said that the successful operation marked a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and insecurity in Nigeria, and expressed the hope that it will serve as a deterrent to kidnappers and other criminals.