FHQ confirms release of 20 medical students
By People’s Voice Nigeria | News
The Force Headquarters (FHQ), yesterday, confirmed the release of 20 medical students of the Universities of Jos, and Maiduguri respectively, who were kidnapped by gunmen on Thursday August 15.
Sunday Telegraph reports that the students, and their driver were traveling to Enugu for their annual Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) Convention, when they were abducted within the Otukpo general area.
A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said no ransom was paid to secure the students’ release, contrary to “some tweets and unconfirmed stories”.
According to the police, the victims’ freedom, which was secured in Ntunkon forest, Benue State, was a product of tactical and professional operation.
“Release of 20 medical students and others. We confirm the release of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians, who have been in captivity on Friday 23rd August 2024 in Ntunkon forest, Benue State.
“Without any ransom paid. Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them.
“They were actually rescued tactically and professionally. We commend the security agencies, locals, and ONSA for their commitment and resilience”, the police said in a terse release.
The FHQ also announced the arrest of a suspect over alleged involvement in “document leaks, subversive activities”.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who made the disclosure in a statement yesterday, said “more intricate” investigations have commenced.
He said: “In a well-coordinated effort, officials from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) apprehended Bristol Isaac Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, on allegations of committing serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations. The arrest took place on August 5, 2024, in his hotel room Rivers State.
“There are several allegations levelled against the suspect, including unlawful possession, leakages of classified documents, cyber related offences, and others.
“We will do due diligence in carrying out thorough investigation into the cases.
“The force will leave no stone unturned to continually enforce the law and bequeath to Nigerians a more secure nation”.
