Nasarawa Police rescue one as gunmen abduct three FULafia students

Nasarawa Police rescue one as gunmen abduct three FULafia students

The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) by suspected gunmen, with one of the victims successfully rescued during a swift security operation.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night at Living Seed Lodge, an off-campus student hostel located in a bushy area along Awe Road on the outskirts of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ramhan Nansel, said the command received a distress report from the university’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) at about 9:20 p.m., informing the police that three students had been kidnapped by armed men.

According to the police spokesperson, the report was immediately relayed to the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, who directed the rapid deployment of tactical teams, patrol operatives, intelligence officers and other security personnel to the area.

Nansel said the security operatives swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation across the surrounding forest and adjoining communities.

He disclosed that the operation led to the successful rescue of one of the abducted students shortly after the attack, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining two victims.

“The prompt response of the police led to the successful rescue of one of the abducted students. Efforts have since been intensified to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining two victims still in captivity and the arrest of the perpetrators,” the statement said.

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The command assured members of the public that all available operational and intelligence resources had been deployed to track down the kidnappers and ensure the remaining students regain their freedom unharmed.

The police also reaffirmed their commitment to bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.

SP Nansel urged residents of Nasarawa State to remain calm, vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing rescue operations.

He advised members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements, unusual activities or persons to the nearest police station or other security agencies for immediate action.

Although the identities of the affected students have not been made public, reports indicate that the gunmen invaded the off-campus hostel before whisking the victims away into a nearby forest, taking advantage of the isolated location of the students’ residence.

Security sources said search operations remain active in the forests and surrounding communities as operatives intensify efforts to rescue the remaining students without harm.

The latest kidnapping has renewed concerns over the security of students living in off-campus accommodation around tertiary institutions, particularly residences located in remote or poorly secured areas.

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting educational institutions and student communities across parts of Nigeria, prompting renewed calls for stronger security collaboration among universities, host communities and law enforcement agencies.

While the Federal University of Lafia had yet to issue an official statement as of Wednesday evening, the police expressed confidence that ongoing operations would lead to the safe rescue of the remaining students and the arrest of those behind the attack.

Parents, students and residents have meanwhile appealed to security agencies to sustain the rescue efforts and strengthen surveillance around student hostels to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Nasarawa Police rescue one as gunmen abduct three FULafia students