Kogi State, Nigeria - In a successful joint operation, security operatives comprising police, military, DSS, and local vigilantes have rescued fourteen students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, who were abducted by gunmen.
The rescue operation was initiated following a distress call received by the Osara Divisional Police Officer reporting armed hoodlums invading CUSTECH and kidnapping students who were holding tutorials in a classroom.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, psc (+), swiftly mobilized tactical teams from the Kogi State Police Command including Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Quick Response Unit, and Intelligence Unit, along with personnel from the Nigerian Army's 12 Brigade, DSS, local hunters, and vigilantes.
A press statement signed by SP William Ovye Aya
Police Public Relations Officer of the command stated that combined efforts led to a shootout with the abductors near Obajana, resulting in the rescue of the fourteen victims.
According to reports, one of the rescued students revealed that a total of twenty-four students were initially abducted, with some escaping during the exchange of gunfire between security forces and the criminals.
All rescued victims have undergone medical check-ups at a hospital, while security operatives continue to comb the bushes in search of the remaining kidnapped students and to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Kogi State Government and the university community have expressed gratitude for the swift and effective rescue operation, commending the joint security team for their dedication.
Commissioner Onuoha reassured residents of Kogi State of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining students and to apprehend the criminals responsible for the abduction, urging continued collaboration with security agencies to enhance safety and security in the state.
