Nigeria Army Rescues Kidnapped Benue Buffaloes Team After Lagos Trip

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigeria Army has successfully rescued the Benue Buffaloes, the state’s premier handball team, following their abduction on the way back from Lagos. The team had just concluded their participation in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 Phase 2, which wrapped up last Friday.

The Buffaloes’ ordeal began shortly after leaving Lagos, when unknown assailants kidnapped the players, sparking nationwide concern for their safety. Security agencies, led by the Nigerian Army, swiftly launched coordinated operations across key transit routes to secure the team’s release. Sources confirmed that the players were unharmed and are now safely reunited with their families.

Sports analysts and community leaders have hailed the rescue as a major relief, emphasizing the growing need for heightened security measures for athletes and sports teams traveling for competitions. The incident also underscores ongoing security challenges on major highways and the vulnerability of high-profile groups to criminal attacks.

The Nigerian Army, while maintaining operational confidentiality, reassured the public that measures are being intensified to protect citizens, especially traveling teams and students, from similar threats. The successful rescue of the Benue Buffaloes demonstrates the commitment of security forces to safeguarding lives and ensuring that sports and other peaceful pursuits can continue without fear.

As the players recover from the traumatic experience, authorities are expected to review transportation and security protocols for national sports teams, aiming to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the sporting community in Benue and across Nigeria has called for stronger government interventions to secure highways and protect athletes from violent criminal activities.

The rescue has sparked renewed discussions on improving collaboration between security agencies, sports associations, and local communities to guarantee safe travel for athletes and maintain the integrity of competitive sports in the country.

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