The 20 abducted medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were freed on Friday, after spending nine days in captivity.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the release and noted that seven other kidnap victims were also rescued during the operation, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 27.
Adejobi stated that the rescued victims were currently with the police, and further updates on the situation would be provided soon.
He said, “We have rescued them (medical students) and some others in captivity; we rescued about 27. They are with the police, and some operatives are there as well. We are going to update Nigerians as and when due.”
The rescue operation involved various security agencies, including the police, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Benue State Government.
The students had been travelling to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students annual convention when they were ambushed by gunmen on August 15, near Ojano village along the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu Road.
This particular stretch of road is notorious for criminal activities, with several high-profile individuals having been kidnapped in the area despite the presence of security operatives.
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