The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that no ransom was paid for the rescue of the 20 medical students abducted in Benue State, emphasizing that all the victims were freed through tactical operations carried out by security forces.
In a statement released yesterday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, addressed the need for clarification due to circulating tweets and unverified reports suggesting that money was paid for the release of the kidnapped individuals.
“We confirm the safe return of our brothers and sisters, along with other Nigerians who had been held captive, on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Ntunkon Forest, Benue State, without any ransom being paid.
“Contrary to some tweets and unverified stories, no money was exchanged for their release.
They were rescued tactically and professionally. We appreciate the dedication and resilience of the security agencies, locals, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Our thanks go out to everyone involved,” Adejobi stated.
Earlier, security agencies confirmed the release of the 20 medical students from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), who had been kidnapped in Benue State.
The operation, reportedly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), involved multiple security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and military personnel, with the support of the Benue State government.
Prior to this, the kidnappers of the 20 Catholic medical students, who were traveling to Enugu State last Thursday, had allegedly rejected a N20 million ransom raised by the Catholic community in Nigeria.
This was revealed by Prince Tihi Maxwell, president of the Community of Tiv Students at the University of Maiduguri, whose two members were among those abducted.
 has clarified that no ransom was paid for the rescue of the 20 medical students abducted in Benue State, emphasizing that all the victims were freed through tactical operations carried out by security forces.){kind=link}