Gunmen kidnap three students from Federal University in Nasarawa

Three students from the Federal University of Lafia have been kidnapped from their off-campus lodge in Lafia, Nasarawa State. This is another security incident involving students from the university.

A student, who did not want to be named for safety reasons, said the 100-level students were taken from Sure Leaders Lodge in the Bukan Kwato area of Lafia around 8:45 p.m. on Saturday.

As of now, the police have not made any official statement about the incident. However, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university confirmed this in a public safety notice released on Sunday. They said they are working with traditional leaders and the university management regarding the incident.

“The Students’ Union leadership has met with the District Head and relevant authorities and is collaborating with the University Management on security measures,” the statement, signed by the SUG President, Jabir Ibrahim, and Secretary-General, Ibrahim Aliyu, explained.

The union asked students to stay calm while security efforts are ongoing. “Your safety is our top priority. Remain calm, stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements, especially at odd hours, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities or the Students’ Union,” the statement added.

The union also expressed hope for the safe return of the kidnapped students. This latest incident comes less than three weeks after another similar case involving students from the same university.

On July 8, 2026, gunmen kidnapped three students from Living Seed Lodge, an off-campus residence near the university. The state police command confirmed the previous incident through its spokesperson, Ramhan Nansel. He said the report was made by the university’s Chief Security Officer.

According to Mr Nansel, Commissioner of Police Shetima Mohammed quickly deployed tactical teams and other security personnel to start a search-and-rescue operation. The police later rescued one of the kidnapped students while efforts were still ongoing to free the others and catch the kidnappers.

These repeated attacks have raised concerns about the safety of students living in private hostels around the university. This is especially true in areas close to bushy regions where criminal groups have been active in the past.

This recent kidnapping also happens during ongoing security issues in parts of Nasarawa State. Security agencies have been working against kidnapping gangs, armed groups, and illegal arms traders.

In recent months, police and military officials have reported several arrests of suspected kidnappers and the rescue of kidnapped individuals across the state. But despite these operations, there have been isolated attacks on major roads and in some rural and semi-urban areas.

Students and residents have repeatedly called for more security patrols around off-campus hostels and at-risk communities to help prevent more attacks. At this time, it is not clear if the kidnappers have contacted the victims' families or asked for ransom.

This story will be updated with more details as they come in, including any official statements from the police or university authorities.