DSS Rescues Abducted Nasarawa University Dean, Arrests Two Suspects

By Zagazola Makama

The Department of State Services (DSS) has rescued the abducted Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Samuel Okunsebor, less than 48 hours after he was kidnapped by armed men in Nasarawa State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that Prof. Okunsebor was abducted at about midnight on Wednesday at Mile Uku, a boundary community between Lafia and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas, after gunmen invaded the area and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Security sources disclosed that following intelligence-driven operations and sustained surveillance, DSS operatives successfully located and rescued the professor at about 3:00 p.m. on Friday without harm.

Following the operation, the DSS formally handed over the rescued academic to his family members in the presence of senior officials of the university, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kitso Ngbargu.

The professor was subsequently taken to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and routine medical checks after spending nearly two days in captivity.

Reacting to the development, the management of Nasarawa State University expressed profound appreciation to the DSS for what it described as a swift, professional and successful rescue operation.

A senior university official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the institution was deeply grateful to the security agency for working tirelessly to secure the dean’s freedom.

“The university is greatly indebted to the DSS for working round the clock to ensure the timely rescue of our amiable Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture,” the official said.

The official further disclosed that two suspects, identified as a man and a woman, have been arrested in connection with the abduction and are currently in DSS custody.

“We understand that the DSS have in their custody two of the persons behind the kidnap of our dear professor. Given how the DSS has been meticulously prosecuting suspects in courts, we have little doubt that both suspects will soon have their day in court,” the official added.

Security sources said investigations are ongoing to unravel the full kidnapping network and determine the roles played by the arrested suspects, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate who remain at large.

The successful rescue has been hailed by residents and members of the university community as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Nasarawa State, with many commending the DSS for its intelligence-led response and professionalism throughout the operation.