The victims, who are medical and dental students, were headed to the southeastern state of Enugu, when they were kidnapped by armed gunmen.

Armed gangs have been kidnapping villagers, students and motorists for ransom in northern Nigeria, with security forces unable to end the practice.

"We confirm the release this Friday of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity in Ntunkon forest, Benue state," Nigerian police Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said.

He said no ransom was paid, rather they were "rescued tactically and professionally".

--Reuters--