Three days after they were rescued, the 20 medical students have been handed over to the vice-chancellors (VCs) of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
They were handed over in the presence of some of their parents by Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who told reporters that the leader of the kidnap gang was killed by security operatives.
The medical students, who were abducted on 15 August on the Otukpo-Enugu Highway en route to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical Students in Enugu, regained freedom on Friday.
According to the IGP, seven other victims were also freed alongside the medical students.
The police chief restated that no ransom was paid to rescue the kidnapped victims.
The medical students arrived at Force Headquarters with the Police IG at about 5:30 pm yesterday.
Egbetokun said: “Today (yesterday), it is with a deep sense of relief that I brief you on a successful operation conducted by the Nigeria Police Force, which resulted in the rescue of 27 innocent citizens on 22nd August 2024, who had been abducted by a dangerous criminal gang in Benue State.
“Among those rescued were 20 medical students of the University of Jos Teaching Hospital comprising 16 males and four females, who were cruelly taken abducted while in transit to a Conference in Enugu on 15th August 2024; five other passengers and two other victims who had also fallen victim to these heinous criminals were also freed.
“The successful rescue of these 27 individuals was achieved without the payment of any ransom. This success was possible through the activation of a security intelligence network, synergy with other security agencies, community partnership and the deployment of our highly skilled and tactical officers, whose dedication, bravery, and precision in executing their duties are truly commendable. During the operation, our officers engaged the kidnappers in a well-coordinated tactical offensive.
“I am pleased to inform you that the kingpin of this notorious gang was neutralized during an exchange of fire with our operatives and his weapon was recovered, while two other members of the gang were arrested.
“These individuals are currently in our custody, where they are providing valuable information that will help us dismantle their criminal network and prevent future occurrences of such abductions.
“It is pertinent to state that rescue operations of this magnitude are painstakingly difficult and complex, requiring not only deployment of resources but also meticulous planning and coordination.
“In this regard, I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), whose support was instrumental in this operation. I also wish to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of other security agencies who partnered with us, as well as the local vigilantes who played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this mission.
“This success is a demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.
“Let me take this opportunity to address all Nigerians, particularly the relatives of those who have been victims of such criminal acts. We understand the anxiety and pain that families experience during these trying times.
“However, we urge you to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies when such situations arise. It is only through cooperation and trust that we can effectively carry out our constitutional mandate of securing lives and property.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to rid our nation of criminal elements who seek to disrupt the peace and security of our society.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to employ every lawful means at its disposal to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians while strongly determined to ensure that those who choose to engage in criminal activities will be brought to justice”.
“As we continue to advance our efforts in combating crime across the country, I assure you that we will remain vigilant, proactive, and relentless in our pursuit of a safer Nigeria where the security of every Nigerian and residents in our great country is our top priority, and we will not rest until every citizen can go about their daily lives free from fear and intimidation.
“I commend the bravery and professionalism of our officers, and I thank all the agencies and individuals who contributed to the success of this operation. Together, we will continue to strive towards a safer, more secure Nigeria”.
UNIMAID’s Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Mohammed Laminu Mele said: “I am happy that the 20 medical students have been rescued. We will do everything possible to make them comfortable in school”.
The UNIJOS Vice Chancellor University, Prof Tanko Ishaya, said: “As a university, we have already arranged and prepared that as soon as you hand over these students to us, we are going to camp them somewhere where we are going to provide guidance and counselling before they are actually reintegrated back into the society.
“We may assume that they are not going through any trauma because they are looking very unhealthy, but we believe that they require a kind of guidance, particularly counselling that will make them overcome the trauma and the experience that they have had”.
One of the parents, John Enger, who spoke on behalf of others, expressed happiness over the rescue and urged the security operatives to do more and rescue other people that are still in captivity.
Enger said: “We were desperate as parents. Anxiety was everywhere; we could neither work nor sleep; we had these challenges. The VC, as he said, encouraged us; the commissioner of police did most of his own through the PPRO.
“But you see, we were afraid; the person representing the minister said… – and you said this also -, that is a turning point.
“We were afraid of the experiences of the past. That’s why we went all the way. Most of us had no money to pay but thank God the security operatives rescued them without paying anything.
“Fortunately, this is a good event. And we appreciate, we thank you sincerely. All our children are here safe.
“So, we are very grateful to you for the effort. We are very grateful to the President. We are very grateful to the NSA. You see, when you said it, that NSA gave all its best.
“We know that somebody had done something. Today, if it happened, we know that the security men are there. Before, we were afraid.
“So, thank you very much. On behalf of the parents, we appreciate the gentlemen of the press because they helped us. Information was everywhere”.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia urged the students not to be discouraged by their abduction.
The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglegba said: “Despite what has happened to you, go and be successful… prove that Nigeria has not spared its best to save you for nothing. Be there for the country. To the parents who stood and prayed with us throughout, thank you.
“To the whole country, we are all awake praying for you, hoping that God will bring you back. So, please prove Nigeria right by being the best you can, the best doctors, the best of whatever it is that you’re studying. And the rest of the police, thank you”.
The governor lauded the President, adding that the security situation in the state was getting better.
He said: “Things have taken a turn for the better with the coming of this present government. If you notice, the whole scale, industrial scale killings that used to happen in Benue have been reduced to a minimum. We’re not there yet, but we’re moving towards that place”.
