How Soldiers Hijacked 8 Kidnapped Kogi University Students After We Rescued Them – Kwara Police Command

The Kwara Police Command has disclosed shocking details regarding the rescue operation of eight students abducted from the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara, Kogi State. According to reports, soldiers allegedly forcefully took custody of the students after they were rescued by police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies.

The students were kidnapped on May 9, 2024, from the university campus while preparing for their first-semester examinations. Following the incident, 21 students were promptly rescued by the Kogi State Police and other security teams, while the remaining captives were taken to Kwara State by the kidnappers.

Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, CP. Victor Olaiya, coordinated a joint operation involving tactical teams from the Command, the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Military, local vigilantes, and Police Hi-Tech Intelligence assets. After days of intensive efforts, eight students were successfully rescued.

However, DSP Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, the Kwara Police Command’s spokesperson, revealed that soldiers intervened during the transfer of the rescued students to Ilorin for medical attention. Despite police preparations for their onward movement, soldiers reportedly stormed the Oro-Ago police station, overpowered police operatives, and forcefully took custody of the students without proper handover procedures.

This action has been condemned by the police, with DSP Toun describing it as “disrespectful” and “totally unacceptable.” The police spokesperson assured that necessary actions would be taken to report the conduct of the soldiers to higher authorities.

Meanwhile, land and air operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining kidnappers believed to be hiding in Kwara forests. CP Victor Olaiya commended the swift intervention of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and all security operatives involved in the rescue operation. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent similar incidents.

In response to the rescue, the Kogi State government expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and various security agencies for their support. Governor Usman Ododo directed full support towards the recovery of the students and emphasized the importance of citizen cooperation with security agencies to combat crime effectively. Additionally, Governor Ododo appreciated the cooperation and support of his Kwara State counterpart, Governor AbdulRahmam AbdulRazak, in the successful rescue operation.