The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the rescue of 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue State.
In a statement signed by Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), on Saturday, the police said the victims who were held in the Ntunkon Forest, ADO Local Government Area of Benue State, were rescued on Friday by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) without payment of ransom.
According to Channels Television, the NPF said three Choppers were used for the operation, with few suspects arrested and others neutralised.
The medical students and their accompanying doctors were kidnapped on August 15th, while on their way to a medical convention.
The statement said, “Without any ransom paid. 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.
“We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience.”
News of the abduction of the students hit the media space last Friday, attracting reactions from Nigerians who condemned the rising rate of kidnapping in the country.
A few days after their abduction, their captors had established contact with the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of ₦50 million to secure the release of their hostages.
