IG narrates rescue operation as VCs receive kidnapped students

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday, said a notorious kidnap kingpin was killed and two abductors arrested during the operation to rescue 20 medical students in Benue State.

The students who are from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were travelling to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention when they were kidnapped on August 15.

Their abduction generated massive outcry, which made the IG to order the deployment of tactical operatives and assets, including helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles, to ensure the swift rescue of the kidnapped students.

Speaking while handing over the students to their vice-chancellors, Egbetokun added that the arrested suspects were in custody.

He also said contrary to speculations, the students were rescued without paying any ransom.

Egbetokun said, “This success was made possible through the support received from the office of the NSA, the activation of the security network, intelligence, synergy with other security agencies, community engagement, and 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 neutralised during an exchange of fire with our operatives while two other members of the gang were arrested and their weapons recovered.

“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.”

Egbetokun added that the efforts of other security agencies and local vigilantes were instrumental in the rescue of the students and other victims.

He said, “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.”

The IG vowed to rid the country of criminal elements and bring them to book.

He said, “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 Nigerian Police Force will continue to employ everything at its disposal to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“We are strongly determined to ensure that those who choose to engage in criminal activities are 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 resident 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.”

Egbetokun, however, urged others in kidnappers’ dens across the country not to lose hope.

He said, “To those who are still in captivity and to their family members, they should not lose hope. If we can achieve this, then we can resolve all other kidnap cases that are still pending. Those that are still in captivity of kidnappers, there is hope that they will soon be rescued.”

Egbetokun, who noted that insecurity had reached a turning point in the country, added that it would soon decline.

He said, “So we have reached that point now that things will now start going back. It has gone up, it will now start declining. So that’s the point that we are at now.”

Speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, pledged to offer psychosocial support to the rescued students.

He 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 counselling, guidance and counselling before they are 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.”

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, urged the students not to be discouraged by their abduction.

Represented by the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglegba, the governor urged the students to demonstrate that the resources invested by the country to secure their release were not in vain.

He 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.

“The whole country, we were all awake, praying for you. So please prove Nigeria right by being the best you can, the best doctors, the best whatever it is you’re studying. And the rest of the police, thank you.”

The governor, who said the security situation in Benue State was improving, lauded President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “Things have taken a turn for the better with the coming of this present government. If you notice, the 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.”

Speaking on behalf of the parents, John Enger said they were initially scared because of past kidnapping incidents in the country.

He said, “We were desperate as parents. Anxiety was everywhere. We had these challenges. The VC encouraged us. But you see, we were afraid. We were afraid because of the past experiences. That’s why we went all the way. Most of us, most of us had the money to pay a ransom but we thank you sincerely. All our children are here safe.

“We are very grateful to the President, to the NSA and everybody.”