The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three students of the Federal University of Lafia, saying one of the victims has been rescued while efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining two students.
The students were reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at about 9:20 p.m. from Living Seed Lodge, a private hostel located in a bushy area on the outskirts of the university’s student residential community.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Rahman Nansel, the incident was reported by the university’s Chief Security Officer, prompting an immediate security response.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, directed the immediate deployment of tactical teams, patrol officers, and other security personnel to the area. The operatives subsequently launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission in the surrounding forest.
The police said the operation resulted in the successful rescue of one of the abducted students, while efforts have been intensified to locate and free the remaining two victims still being held by their captors.
The commissioner also ordered the command’s operational and intelligence units to sustain the rescue mission until all the victims are safely reunited with their families and those responsible for the crime are arrested and prosecuted.
The police reassured residents that every available resource is being deployed to ensure the safe return of the remaining students and bring the suspected kidnappers to justice.
The command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could aid ongoing operations. Residents were also encouraged to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station as investigations and rescue efforts continue.
