Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on Sunday hosted 20 medical students who were recently rescued from kidnappers.
Egbetokun received them at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were travelling to Enugu State for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention when they were kidnapped by bandits on August 15, 2024. They were rescued on Friday.
The students were accompanied by their parents, guardians, a representative of Benue State governor, and the vice-chancellors of the two universities.
Egbetokun said a notorious kidnap kingpin was killed, and two abductors were arrested during the rescue mission.
He also said the students were rescued without paying any ransom.
“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 said.
