DSS Rescues Abducted NSUK Dean, Arrests Two Suspects in Nasarawa

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.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the professor was abducted around midnight on July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a boundary community between Lafia and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas, after gunmen stormed the area and took him to an unknown destination.

Security sources said DSS operatives launched an intelligence-driven operation and, following sustained surveillance, successfully located and rescued the academic at about 3:00 p.m. on Friday without injury.

After the rescue, the DSS formally handed Professor Okunsebor over to his family in the presence of senior officials of Nasarawa State University, including the institution's Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kitso Ngbargu.

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

Reacting to the development, the management of Nasarawa State University expressed appreciation to the DSS, describing the operation as swift, professional, and successful.

A senior university official, who spoke anonymously, commended the security agency for its efforts in securing the dean's safe release.

"The university is greatly indebted to the DSS for working tirelessly to ensure the timely rescue of our amiable Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture," the official said.

The university also disclosed that two suspects—a man and a woman—have been arrested in connection with the abduction and are currently in DSS custody.

The official expressed confidence that the suspects would be prosecuted, noting the agency's track record of diligently handling criminal cases.

Security sources said investigations are continuing to uncover the full kidnapping network and determine the roles of the arrested suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate who remain at large.

The successful rescue has been widely welcomed by residents and members of the university community, who praised the DSS for its intelligence-led approach and professionalism in securing the professor's freedom.