A series of events occurred between the abduction and eventual rescue of 20 medical students in Benue State, signifying the security challenges that Nigeria faces and the details of organized operations needed to successfully address them. The accident involving students of the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, who were on their way to Enugu for the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’, is a situation that puts in bold relief how exposed young Nigerians are, even in the course of pursuing educational opportunities.
However, the terms and manner of their eventual release, following a successful operation, reiterate the might of the Nigerian security apparatus when judiciously applied with surgical precision and equal purpose. This, again, speaks to multi-agency cooperations, engagements with communities, and tactical expertise in dealing with such threats.
This comes after the students’ abduction on August 15, 2024, while they were traveling in Benue State. Their abduction immediately provoked a loud public outcry, with many fearing for the safety of the students and its implication on the general security situation in the country. This fear was not unfounded, as it has been a very rare occasion that victims have come out of previous kidnapping incidents unharmed; in most cases, the release of victims has been followed by the payment of hefty ransoms. The parents of the students were afraid, and anxiety began to build in the public with such acts.
On his part, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reacted to the abduction by deploying helicopters, drones, and tactical vehicles, with more detectives sent to Benue State to ensure the students return safely. The decision to deploy such a massive combination of resources was indicative of the gravity of the situation, and showed the resolve of the Nigerian Police Force to get the impasse resolved without any losses of life.
The operation to rescue the students was thoroughly planned and executed. The Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun, said the mission had been successful with support received from the office of the National Security Advisor, activation of an expansive network of security, as well as the synergy achieved through collaboration with other security agencies. This multi-layered approach was further boosted by intelligence gathering, which was instrumental in locating these kidnappers and planning a tactical offensive afterwards.
Egbetokun handed over the rescued students to their Vice-Chancellors in Abuja and narrated how the operation, which they conducted relentlessly, culminated in a fierce gun duel between the security forces and the kidnappers. During the process, the dreaded kingpin of the kidnapping gang was neutralized, a critical blow to the criminal network responsible for the abduction. In addition, two other members of this gang were arrested and are presently in custody. These suspects are providing very useful information that could be instrumental in the dismantling of the larger criminal network behind these abductions and preventing further abductions.
Following wide speculation and fears that a ransom might have been paid for the students, Egbetokun was clear: no ransom was paid. He said, rather, that it is due to the tactical and professionally strategized effort by the security forces, who have successfully executed the operation in precision and bravery, whereby the students were eventually returned safe and sound. It is a big win for the security forces in Nigeria, and this outcome may just set a precedence in which any future kidnappings are hindered because of the lack of financial muscle.
The Inspector-General also noted the efforts of other security outfits and the local vigilante group that played important roles in the operation. These groups worked in synchrony with the police, providing crucial backing that would in the end tip the balance to the disadvantage of the security forces. Specifically, the local vigilantes offered ground intelligence and support that was very critical in maneuvering through the slippery terrain and in understanding the local dynamics that would serve as an entry point for the kidnappers.
Egbetokun appeared very satisfied with taking the students and said the officers were so dedicated, courageous, and precise. He repeated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force toward flushing out elements of crime against whom the peace and security of citizens in their society are being held in ransom. He vowed to continue his onslaught against crime, even as he promised that the perpetrators will be made to face the music. His comments reflect the growing sense of commitment within the Nigerian security establishment to deal with the increasing menace of kidnapping and other violent crimes that have assumed an alarming dimension in several parts of the country.
Egbetokun’s words were not only a sweet melody to the ears of the direct victims of this incident, but they sounded like the vigilante call of action to the entire security apparatus of this country. He implored that the momentum gained from this successful operation must not die, but be channeled towards the desired goals to make sure similar occurrences are well and effectively handled in times to come. This will be important in restoring public confidence in the security forces’ ability to protect lives and property, a confidence that has been rather severely tested in recent years due to the spate of kidnappings and other violent crimes.
The issue of community engagement in fighting crime is one of the critical points that Egbetokun draws out. Local communities, especially through the vigilantes, were brought out to show their support in demonstrating grassroots support in the enhancement of security operations and will form a model for future operations where local knowledge and support are integral to the success of security initiatives.
The emotional effect of the rescue mission was also huge on the families of the abducted students. The parents, who for nine days had lived in unimaginable fear and anxiety, expressed huge relief and thanksgiving on the return of their kids alive. John Enger, speaking on behalf of the parents, told of the desperation and fear that had gripped them during the ordeal. He admitted that while many of them were prepared to pay ransom for the release of their children, the fact that such a step was not taken had made them all vastly relieved that the event had been gotten under control. Enger’s words brought out the deep emotional toll such incidents take on families and the larger community.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, underscored the emotional weight of the situation while insisting on the provision of psychosocial support for the rescued students. He observed, while bearing in his mind the fact that though they looked physically unharmed, one would not undermine the psychological effects that the students’ abduction would have had. He said that the university had already made provisions for counseling and guidance to help the students overcome the trauma and readmit them into their academic pursuit. This approach recognizes the fact that such experiences may have long-term effects if not dealt with and that addressing them is the key to the well-being and academic success of the students.
Prof. Ishaya’s commitment to psycho-social support is an awakening of the educational sector to help students who fall victim through such incidents. It also seeks to highlight the greater role that an institution may be called upon to play in supporting its students, not necessarily academically but considering also their emotional and psychological aspects, particularly in times of trauma.
Equally, highly discussed afterward was the words of the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia. Represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglegba, Gov. Alia charged the students not to allow what had happened to them affect their academic pursuit. He encouraged them to use their experience as a source of strength and motivation to excel in their studies and future careers. The speech of the governor is filled with hope and resilience, reminding students that the resources put in their education and safety were all not put in vain and they have a call to make good of their opportunities.
Speeches from Governor Alia went further to highlight the general security situation in Benue State. He said that they too could witness visible changes since he came to power. He said that such killings were no longer many in the state, and this was a pointer to the fact that the security situation was gradually stabilizing. Although he said clearly that there was much yet to be done, his words implied a cautious optimism on the possible future of this state of affairs.
The abduction and subsequent rescue of the 20 medical students served as a remembrance of the security challenges that ever seem not to come to an end in Nigeria, particularly in this region of Benue State. However, it also underlines how success could be achieved when security forces come along with communities at the grassroots and government agencies. It was not only the safe return of the students that was assured by the success of the operation but also the strong message that the Nigerian state really has what it takes in capability and determination to not only assure its citizens of protection but also bring such elements to justice .
SOURCES
- https://punchng.com/ig-narrates-rescue-operation-as-vcs-receive-kidnapped-students/
- https://dailytrust.com/rescued-medical-students-arrive-abuja-meet-ig/
