The Defence Headquarters has announced the successful rescue operation of hostages abducted from the LEA School Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba said the operation, conducted in collaboration with local authorities and government agencies, resulted in the safe recovery of the abducted individuals in Zamfara State.
Acccording to him, “Following the initial invasion of the LEA School Kuriga by terrorists on March 7, 2024, where an unspecified number of pupils were taken captive, the military swiftly mobilized with a commitment to ensuring the safe return of all hostages.
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“Today, March 24, 2024, in a coordinated effort, the military, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, executed a strategic search and rescue mission leading to the liberation of 137 hostages, consisting of 76 females and 61 males.
“These rescued individuals, who were taken from the school in Kuriga, Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, will be transferred and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further necessary action,” Gen. Buba said.
In a related development, it was recalled that on March 21, 2024, troops also successfully rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) along with a woman held captive in Gada LGA of Sokoto State.
The rescued individuals were promptly handed over to the Sokoto State Government.
Buba said these remarkable rescue operations underscore the unwavering determination of the armed forces to locate and rescue innocent hostages while pursuing the perpetrators of such heinous crimes. Efforts will persist until all hostages are accounted for, and those responsible for these acts are brought to justice under Nigerian law.
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He noted that similar efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the tragic killings of 18 soldiers in the Okuama Community of Delta State.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to ensuring that justice was served, emphasising that those culpable will face the full weight of the law and cannot evade accountability.
Buba affirmed the resolve of the armed forces to safeguard the nation’s security and protect its citizens from all forms of threats and violence.
