The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has disclosed that a notorious kidnapping kingpin was killed and two abductors arrested during the operation to free 20 kidnapped medical students.
“These individuals are currently in our custody where they are providing valuable information that will help in dismantling their criminal network and prevent future occurrences of such abductions,” he said during the students' handover to their Vice Chancellors in Abuja.
Gunmen abducted the students in the Otukpo region of Benue State on 16 August.
The police announced their rescue on Saturday. The police boss, Egbetokun said the students' rescue was accomplished without ransom payment.
He added that the operation was challenging and intricate, requiring bravery, painstaking preparation, and coordination.
“This success was made possible through the support received from the office of the NSA, the activation of the security network, intelligence, and synergy with other security agencies.
“Community engagement, and deployment of our highly skilled and tactical officers whose dedication, bravery, and precision in executing their duties are truly commendable,” Egbetokun said.