Fresh fears over Nigeria’s deepening security crisis have erupted in Nasarawa State after heavily armed gunmen invaded a student lodge near the Federal University of Lafia, abducting three students in a brazen nighttime attack that has once again exposed the vulnerability of tertiary institutions to criminal gangs.
The attack occurred on Tuesday night at Living Seed Lodge, a privately owned student accommodation located in a bushy area on the outskirts of the university’s residential community in Lafia.
According to the Nasarawa State Police Command, the assailants stormed the lodge and whisked away three students before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed that the Command received a distress call at about 9:20 p.m. from the university’s Chief Security Officer, reporting that unidentified gunmen had invaded the lodge and abducted the students.
The report prompted an immediate response from the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, who ordered the rapid deployment of tactical units, patrol operatives, anti-kidnapping personnel, and other security teams to the scene.
According to the statement, the operatives swiftly launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission across the surrounding forests, leading to the successful rescue of one of the abducted students.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams, patrol operatives and other security personnel to the scene. The operatives swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation within the surrounding forest. 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 read.
The police further disclosed that all operational and intelligence assets of the Command have been mobilised to sustain the rescue operation until the remaining two students regain their freedom.
Commissioner Mohammed assured residents that security agencies would stop at nothing to track down the gunmen and ensure they are brought to justice.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, urging residents to provide credible and timely intelligence capable of assisting the ongoing operation. Citizens were advised to promptly report suspicious movements or unusual activities to the nearest police station.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation around higher institutions across Nigeria, where students living in off-campus accommodations have increasingly become easy targets for kidnappers seeking ransom. The incident is expected to intensify calls on the Federal Government, security agencies and university authorities to strengthen security around campuses and dismantle criminal networks operating in communities surrounding educational institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, the rescued student was receiving necessary attention, while security operatives continued an intensive manhunt for the abductors and efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining two students.