The Nigerian Army officially handed over eight students from the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, who were recently rescued, to the Kogi State Government, On Monday, June 3, 2024.
 The handover ceremony took place at the Nigerian Army Headquarters Conference Room in Abuja, where Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State received the students.
These students had been kidnapped on May 9, 2024, and were freed after a well-coordinated search and rescue mission carried out by the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies.
 The rescue operation took place in a dense forest near Oro Ago Village in Kwara State, where the students had been held captive by their abductors.
At the handover ceremony, Major General Abdulsalam Ibrahim, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, assured Governor Ododo that the Nigerian Army, along with its partners, is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
He emphasized that the military and other security forces are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and bring them to justice.
Governor Ahmed Ododo expressed his deep gratitude to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their dedication and sacrifice in rescuing the students.
He conveyed confidence in the ability of the security forces to secure the release of any remaining hostages and reiterated the Kogi State Government’s unwavering support for ongoing operations against terrorism and crime in the state.
The handover ceremony was attended by several key state officials, including the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Alhaji Ali Bello; the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Bello; and the Vice Chancellor of CUSTECH, Professor Abdurahman Asipita.
During the event, the Nigerian Army called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
They stressed that collective efforts are crucial in the fight against terrorism and criminality in the region.
“This successful rescue operation underscores the commitment of Nigerian security forces to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.”
