Army gives update on troops’ search for abducted Kebbi, Niger schoolchildren

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army said troops deployed for intensified search-and-rescue operations for abducted schoolchildren in Niger, Kebbi and Zamfara states had in the course of their operations in the last 24 hours, neutralized terrorists and destroyed their hideouts across the North Central and North West corridors.

A source at the Army headquarters revealed that the troops operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) under 22 Brigade responded to the abduction of students from St Mary’s School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger, with ISR aircraft deployed and ground search teams tracking the terrorists’ withdrawal route.

According to him, troops have since expanded search operations to the Audu Fari axis in Borgu Local Government Area.

In Mariga Local Government Area, troops at FOB Gulbin Boka ambushed terrorists attempting to link up with their cohorts around Magaman Daji, resulting in casualties among the criminal group and the capture of four motorcycles.

“On the Kebbi front, troops intensifying efforts to rescue students abducted from GGSS Maga on Nov. 17 conducted a major operation around Gando/Sunke Forest in Kebbi and Talata Mafara LGA of Zamfara.

“The strike force destroyed three terrorist camps, forcing the criminals to abandon their hideouts. Troops also recovered a lost international passport belonging to a female resident of Bagega,” he said.

The military source reiterated the army’s commitment to sustaining the operations until all abducted students were rescued and terrorist networks crippled across the North Central and North West regions.

Recall that more than 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted last Friday at St. Mary’s School, Papiri, Niger state.

However, reports on Sunday indicated that 50 of the abducted schoolchildren escaped from their abductors.

The abduction in Niger State came four days after gunmen also suspected abducted 24 students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.

The Kebbi State government said the schoolgirls were abducted about 45 minutes after military personnel deployed to the school to secure the students left.

The military said it is investigating the claim by the Kebbi government.

(NAN)