The Benue State Police Command successfully rescued six law students who had been abducted by gunmen along the Joota/Wukari Federal Highway in Benue State. 

The six students, all from the Nigerian Law School, Yola Campus, were travelling from Anambra State to Adamawa when they were kidnapped by armed assailants on July 26, 2025.

The Abduction and Immediate Response

The law students, who had been returning to school after a break, were ambushed by gunmen who forcefully took them away while they were on their journey. The attackers, who had been reportedly targeting travellers on the highway, held the students captive and demanded a ransom.

Upon receiving reports of the abduction, the Benue State Police Command swiftly activated a response unit to track down the criminals and ensure the safe return of the students.

According to DSP Edet Udeme, the Police Public Relations Officer, the police acted on intelligence gathered from the public and surveillance, and the search extended to surrounding areas, including Taraba State, where it was believed the abductors had fled.

The Rescue Operation

The police effort culminated in a successful rescue operation on the morning of August 1, 2025. The six students were freed at High Tension Road in Wukari, Taraba State, after a coordinated effort between the Benue State Police and security operatives in Taraba. 

The students were immediately taken to the Ukum Divisional Police Headquarters, where they were provided with initial care and attention.

The police ensured that the students were not harmed, and they were later reunited with their families. The students, who had been through a traumatic experience, expressed their relief at being freed from their captors. 

Their safe return was a major achievement for the security forces involved, who worked tirelessly to ensure that no lives were lost and the kidnappers were apprehended.

Gratitude and Public Support

The Benue State Police Command expressed deep gratitude to the public for their cooperation during the operation. 

The police emphasised the importance of community support in the fight against crime, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. 

Public involvement and quick communication were key factors in the success of the operation, as they helped law enforcement narrow down the location of the captors.

Authorities also recognised the role of inter-state cooperation, as police forces from both Benue and Taraba worked together seamlessly. This joint effort not only led to the rescue of the law students but also strengthened the relationship between neighbouring states in the fight against crime and insecurity.

The Growing Concern of Kidnappings

The incident in Benue shows the growing problem of kidnappings and other criminal activities along major highways in Nigeria. Despite efforts by security agencies to curb the menace, kidnappers continue to target travellers, particularly those using inter-state routes. 

The Nigerian government has been under increasing pressure to step up security measures and improve road safety across the country.

While this successful operation has provided some relief, the challenge of tackling abductions remains ongoing.

Experts argue that a more comprehensive approach, including better road surveillance, the deployment of more security personnel along vulnerable routes, and improved community policing, is necessary to prevent future incidents.