The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the release of 20 medical students and others kidnapped in Benue State.
A statement signed by Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer on Saturday, said the victims who were held in the Ntunkon forest, Ado Local Government Area of Benue state, were rescued on Friday by the office of the National Security Adviser without payment of ransom.
A confirmed source told Channels TV that three choppers were used for the operation, with few suspects arrested and others neutralised.
The medical students and their accompanying doctors were kidnapped on Thursday the 15th of August while on their way to a medical convention.
The statement said, “Without any ransom paid. Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid. No kobo was paid to release them. They were actually rescued tactically and professionally.
“We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience.”
News of the abduction of the students hit the media space last Friday, attracting reactions from Nigerians who condemned the rising rate of kidnapping in the country.
A few days after their abduction, their captors had established contact with the victims’ families, demanding a ransom of 50 million naira to secure the release of their hostages.
