Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed an urgent rescue operation for 20 medical students who were kidnapped in Otukpo, Benue State.
The students were en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention in Enugu when they were abducted.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reported that the IGP strongly condemned the kidnapping, calling it “truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable.”
Egbetokun emphasized the police force’s commitment to securing the students’ safe return, announcing the deployment of significant human and technical resources to bolster the efforts of the Benue State Command. This includes additional tactical units from the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) and the Force Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), along with advanced helicopters, drones, and specialized tactical vehicles to aid in the search and rescue mission.
“The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” the IGP stated, reiterating that the police are determined to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the students’ safe return.
The IGP also called on the public to provide any useful information that could assist in the ongoing investigation and rescue efforts. He encouraged individuals with relevant details to contact the nearest police station, the state’s command control number, or the Force Headquarters via Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and other helplines.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” Egbetokun added, “and will continue working tirelessly to maintain peace, stability, and the rule of law across the country.”
