Police Confirm Release of 20 Nigerian Medical Students Kidnapped in Nigeria

Twenty Nigerian medical students, abducted while en route to a conference, have been released after more than a week in captivity, according to police.

The students, from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were seized by gunmen on August 15 while traveling to Benue State. A ransom demand followed, but police confirmed that no payment was made.

Nigerian police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said they were rescued from Ntunkon forest in Benue State where they were all held hostage.

“Contrary to some tweets and unconfirmed stories that some money was paid, no kobo was paid to release them,” said Adejobi. The rescue operation was described as “tactical and professional.”

The abduction happened near Otukpo, less than 93 miles from Enugu and 63 miles Southeast of Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, an area prone to attacks and kidnappings. Nigeria faces a rising wave of abductions, with thousands taken for ransom annually.

The country’s economic crisis has contributed to the surge in kidnappings, with 4,777 cases recorded between May 2023 and January 2024, according to SBM Intelligence.

• Nigerian Police Come Under Attack by Muslim Group, 3 Killed

In Nigeria’s capital Abuja on Sunday, police officers faced a violent assault by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, at a checkpoint. The attack left two police officers and one civilian dead, with three other officers rendered unconscious.

Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, explained that the IMN members launched the unprovoked attack using machetes, knives, and improvised explosive devices. The assault also resulted in the destruction of three police patrol vehicles, which were set on fire.

According to witnesses, the IMN members were holding a demonstration to mark the 40th day after their Ashura anniversary when the situation escalated. “They pelted the officers with stones and seized guns from the police. They overpowered the police, so they had to run for their lives,” one eyewitness recounted.

FCT Police Commissioner Benneth Igweh strongly condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice. He also noted that the situation was eventually brought under control, and order was restored.

• Nigeria’s Intelligence Chief Resigns, Cites Personal Reasons

Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA), has stepped down from his position, citing personal and family reasons.

Abubakar, who is 71 years old, handed in his resignation to President Bola Tinubu on Saturday during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He later confirmed to journalists that his decision to resign was a “routine” matter.

After serving as the NIA chief for seven years, Abubakar expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for allowing him to work under his “transformational leadership” for the past 15 months. He also acknowledged the rare opportunity of serving two presidents during his tenure.

When questioned about his reasons for resigning, Abubakar mentioned “personal family issues” but clarified that there was nothing “very serious” behind his decision. His resignation comes as President Tinubu’s administration continues to face ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. The Presidency has yet to release an official statement regarding his departure.

• Federal Court Freezes Bank Accounts of Nigerian Protest Sponsors

A federal court in Abuja has ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to 32 individuals and companies linked to the recent #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria. This decision will remain in effect pending further investigation and potential prosecution.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, came after a suit was filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on August 20. The IGP sought to prevent the defendants from accessing their funds, alleging that the accounts were being used to finance unlawful activities connected to the protests.

Justice Nwite instructed the banks to freeze the accounts, issue details of the account packages, disable ATM services, and only allow deposits into the accounts. “The banks are hereby directed by this honorable court to place a Post-No-Debit (PND) on the accounts,” he stated.

The affected accounts are spread across various banks, including Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, First City Monument Bank, and United Bank for Africa. The court also authorized the arrest of account holders or anyone conducting transactions on these accounts.

IGP’s counsel Ibrahim Mohammed argued that the accounts were being used for criminal activities, including conspiracy, terrorism financing, treason, and cybercrimes. “That the accused persons were involved in hosting another country’s flag in order to undermine the sovereignty of the Nigerian state,” he added.

Detective Gregory Woji from the Force Criminal Investigation Department supported these claims, stating that a preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were recruited by financiers to incite violence and destruction during the 10-day protests.

“The intelligence report gathered so far reveals that the suspects are making an effort to transfer or withdraw money from the accounts, and unless this honorable court grants this order, otherwise, the investigation will be jeopardized,” Woji warned.

—

Ezinwanne Onwuka reports from Abuja.