Gunmen have abducted three students of the Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, while police operatives have rescued one of the victims during an ongoing search-and-rescue operation.

The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel.

According to the command, the students were kidnapped on Tuesday night at Living Seed Lodge, situated in a bushy area on the outskirts of the students’ residential community in Lafia.

The police said the university’s Chief Security Officer alerted the command at about 9:20 p.m., reporting that armed men had invaded the area and taken away three students.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units, patrol teams, and other security operatives to the scene.

Security personnel subsequently launched a coordinated operation across the surrounding forest, leading to the successful rescue of one of the abducted students.

The command said efforts had been stepped up to secure the release of the two remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The police commissioner directed all operational and intelligence units to maintain pressure on the kidnappers until the remaining students are rescued safely.

He also reassured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The command appealed to members of the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and support the operation by providing credible information to security agencies.

Residents were further urged to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station. (Channels TV, but headline rejigged)