While handing over the students to their vice chancellors on Sunday in Abuja, Egbetokun added that the arrested suspects were in custody.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the 20 medical students were abducted by the criminal gang on August 15 in Benue en route to Enugu.
Egbetokun said the students, five other passengers and two other victims were already in the captivity of the kidnappers, he said, but escaped from captivity on August 22 following a successful operation by the Nigerian police.
He said the successful rescue of the 27 people was achieved without paying a ransom.
“I am pleased to inform you that the boss of this notorious gang was neutralized in a shootout with our agents.
“Two other members of the gang were arrested and their weapons confiscated.
“These individuals are currently in our custody and provide valuable information that will help dismantle their criminal network and prevent future cases of such kidnappings,” he said.
He said the rescue operation was extremely difficult and complex, requiring the deployment of enormous resources, physical courage, careful planning and coordination.
“In this context, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA), whose support was critical in this operation..
“I must highlight the personal commitment of Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA soldier, to the success of the operation which led to the successful rescue of the victims.
“I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of other security agencies who worked with us, as well as local vigilantism groups who played a critical role in ensuring the success of the mission,” he said.he said.
The IG said the successful rescue of the victims was proof of what can be achieved through teamwork toward a common goal.
In their speeches, the vice chancellors of the two universities praised the Nigerian police and other security agencies for successfully rescuing the students unharmed and without paying a ransom.
Prof. Tanko Ishaya, The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos said the university management had completed plans to address the trauma associated with the abduction in the lives of students.
