The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced that a notorious kidnap kingpin was killed and two abductors were arrested during an operation that rescued 27 individuals, including 20 medical students, without paying any ransom.
Speaking at the handover of the students to their Vice Chancellors in Abuja, Egbetokun confirmed that the students, along with five other passengers and two additional victims, were rescued on August 22 after being abducted on August 15 in Benue.
He praised the operation’s success, which involved neutralizing the gang’s leader during an exchange of fire and arresting two other gang members. The suspects are currently in custody, providing valuable information for dismantling their criminal network.
Egbetokun expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and other security agencies for their support. He highlighted the role of local vigilantes in the successful operation.
The Vice Chancellors of the universities involved commended the police for rescuing the students unharmed and without ransom. Prof. Tanko Ishaya of the University of Jos noted that the university would address the trauma experienced by the students.