The Department of State Services (DSS) has successfully rescued Professor Samuel Okunsebor, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), less than 48 hours after he was kidnapped by armed men. The operation also led to the arrest of two suspects, including a female accomplice.
Abduction and Rescue Operation
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, Professor Okunsebor was abducted at about midnight on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a boundary community between Lafia and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas. 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 any harm.
Handover and Medical Evaluation
After the rescue, the DSS formally handed over the professor to his family members in the presence of senior university officials, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Kitso Ngbargu. Professor Okunsebor was subsequently taken to the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital for medical evaluation and routine checks after spending nearly two days in captivity.
University Appreciation and Suspects Arrested
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, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “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 further disclosed that two suspects—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.
Ongoing Investigation
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to unravel the full kidnapping network and determine the roles played by the arrested suspects. Efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate who remain at large.
Community Reaction
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. Many commended the DSS for its intelligence-led response and professionalism throughout the operation.
