Police have rescued one Federal University of Lafia student after a hostel abduction in Nasarawa, while security operatives intensify efforts to free two others.
Security agencies in Nasarawa State have stepped up efforts to rescue two students of the Federal University of Lafia who remain in captivity after suspected kidnappers invaded an off-campus students’ lodge and abducted three occupants.
The incident, which has raised fresh concerns over the security of students living outside university campuses, occurred on Tuesday night at Living Seed Lodge, a private hostel situated in a relatively isolated area on the outskirts of Lafia.
According to police authorities, the attackers struck at about 9:20 p.m., taking advantage of the secluded location before fleeing with three students.
The abduction was reported shortly after the incident by the university’s Chief Security Officer, who alerted the Nigeria Police Force and requested urgent intervention. The report immediately triggered a coordinated response from security operatives across the state.
Following the distress call, the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, directed the immediate deployment of tactical squads, patrol teams, intelligence officers, and other specialised security personnel to the affected area.
The emergency response team quickly mobilised to the scene and launched an extensive search operation covering the nearby forests, access roads, and surrounding communities believed to be possible escape routes for the kidnappers.
Security operatives have continued to comb the area while gathering intelligence that could lead to the rescue of the remaining victims.
The operation has already yielded an important breakthrough. Police confirmed that one of the abducted students has been rescued alive during the ongoing operation.
Although details surrounding the rescue were not disclosed for security reasons, authorities described the development as a significant milestone in the continuing search effort.
Despite the successful rescue, two students are still being held by the suspected kidnappers.
Security agencies say the operation has not been scaled down, stressing that additional personnel and intelligence assets have been deployed to increase pressure on the criminal group responsible for the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Rahman Nansel, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He explained that the command responded immediately after receiving information from the university’s security management and has maintained an aggressive rescue operation since then.
According to the police spokesperson, the command remains determined to ensure the safe return of the remaining students. He noted that security operatives are pursuing several leads while maintaining surveillance in strategic locations to prevent the suspects from escaping.
The statement further revealed that the Commissioner of Police has directed every operational and intelligence department within the command to remain fully engaged until the victims are safely rescued and those behind the crime are arrested.
He assured residents that the police would continue working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen ongoing operations. According to him, no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for the abduction are brought before the law.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the security challenges confronting students residing in off-campus accommodations, particularly those located in isolated communities. Such areas are often considered more vulnerable because of their distance from major security formations and limited surveillance.
Although authorities have not confirmed whether the kidnappers have established contact with the victims’ families or made any ransom demands, investigations remain ongoing as security agencies continue to pursue all available leads.
Residents around the university community have also been encouraged to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers by providing useful information that could assist the ongoing rescue mission.
Police emphasised that timely intelligence from members of the public could prove crucial in locating the remaining students and tracking the suspects.
The command further appealed to community leaders, hostel operators, and residents to promptly report suspicious movements, unfamiliar individuals, or unusual activities to the nearest police station.
Authorities believe that strong collaboration between security agencies and the public remains one of the most effective tools in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
As the search continues, students, parents, and members of the university community remain hopeful that the remaining victims will soon regain their freedom.
Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to sustaining the operation until every kidnapped student is rescued unharmed and those responsible for the attack face prosecution.
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