On Sunday, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced that a notorious kidnapping ringleader was killed, and two other kidnappers were apprehended during the operation to rescue 20 medical students in Benue State.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were en route to Enugu for the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students when they were abducted on August 15.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, prompting the Inspector General to deploy tactical teams and equipment, including helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles, to ensure the students’ quick rescue.
During the handover of the students to their vice-chancellors, Egbetokun mentioned that the arrested suspects were being held in custody.
He further mentioned that, contrary to rumors, the students were freed without any ransom being paid.
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 mentioned that the involvement of other security agencies and local vigilantes played a crucial role in the rescue of the students and other captives.
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 Inspector General promised to eliminate criminal elements from the country and ensure they are held accountable.
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.”
The Inspector General pledged to eliminate the Egbetokun but encouraged those held captive by kidnappers throughout the nation to remain hopeful.
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 observed that the nation’s security situation had reached a critical juncture, also mentioned that it was expected to improve soon.
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.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, committed to providing emotional and psychological assistance to the students who were rescued.
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.”
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia encouraged the students to remain resilient despite their kidnapping.
The Governor of Benue State, through the state’s Finance Commissioner, Michael Oglegba, called on the students to show that the investment made by the nation for their release was worthwhile.
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.”
On behalf of the parents, John Enger expressed that they were initially fearful due to previous kidnapping incidents in the country.
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.”
“We are very grateful to the President, to the NSA and everybody.”
The PUNCH
