The Nigerian Army announced the successful rescue of nine students from Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, in Kogi State, following their abduction by bandits on May 9, 2024. The students regained their freedom on Sunday, May 12, 2024, thanks to the collaborative efforts of security operatives, hunters, and local vigilantes.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the rescue operation, with some students liberated during a gun battle that left a hunter and a Department of State Services (DSS) operative injured. Although the exact number of students rescued by security operatives was not disclosed, the government had initially reported nine students abducted.
Contrary to the police’s later statement indicating the rescue of 14 students, the army asserted that nine students were saved by its personnel alongside other security agencies and vigilantes.
The operation involved a fierce firefight with the kidnappers’ scouts near the Osara Forests and surrounding areas, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the abducted students, who were promptly rescued.