The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the swift rescue of 20 medical students abducted in Otukpo, Benue State.
The students were on their way to attend the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu when they were kidnapped.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned the kidnapping, describing it as “appalling, callous, and unacceptable.”
The IGP emphasised that the safety and well-being of the students are of utmost priority.
To ensure their safe return, he has ordered the deployment of additional human and technical resources to support the Benue State Police Command.
The resources include tactical units from the Force Intelligence Bureau Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) and Force Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), as well as the use of helicopters, drones, and specialised tactical vehicles.
“The Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to rescuing the students and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.
The IGP assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.
Egbetokun also called on the public to provide any useful information that could aid the rescue operation.
He urged anyone with relevant details to reach out to the nearest police station, the Benue State Command control number, or the Force Headquarters via pressforabuja@police.gov.ng.
The IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged to continue fighting crime, especially kidnapping, across the country.
