Nigerian Police Secure Release of 20 Kidnapped Students

Nigerian police have successfully negotiated the release of 20 medical and dental students kidnapped by armed gunmen in Benue state. These students were en route to a convention in Enugu when they were taken hostage. The police confirmed no ransom was paid and credited tactical operations for their release.

Nigerian police authorities have confirmed the release of 20 students who were kidnapped last week while traveling to a convention. The students, all studying medicine and dentistry, were abducted by armed gunmen in Benue state, en route to Enugu, as per a statement made on Saturday.

The spate of kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs in northern Nigeria has escalated, leaving villagers, students, and motorists vulnerable, with security forces struggling to halt the trend.

In an official statement, Nigerian police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi announced, "We confirm the release on Friday of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity in Ntunkon forest, Benue state." Remarkably, Adejobi confirmed that no ransom was paid; instead, the victims were "rescued tactically and professionally."