The Nigerian Army said it has rescued two teachers and five students out of the scores of victims kidnapped at Federal Government College, Birnin Yawuri Kebbi state, while one female student was found dead of exhaustion .
Penpushing reports that, Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier Onyema Nwachukwu made this known in a statement, adding that they were rescued on Thursday after a fierce exchange of fire with the criminals.
The statement said the troops operating under the auspices of Operation Hadarin Daji have been on a hot pursuit of kidnappers and bandits following an unfortunate abduction incident, explaining that the rescue followed an initial encounter with the abductors in the early hours of June 18, 2021 .
Penpushing further reports that, Nwachuku said this was after trailing the kidnappers from Yawuri through Riyao to Sombo community, where the kidnappers who had split into two groups fled, with one group conveying the abducted children, while the second group conveyed rustled cattle.
The land troops in conjunction with elements of the Nigerian Air Force, who provided close air support during the rescue mission intercepted the two groups at about 2.30 am and engaged them in a fire fight leading to the successful rescue of the teachers and students’, he stated.
Penpushing also reports that the army spokesman said the troops equally recovered 800 cattle rustled by the bandits, stressing that the gallant troops are still on the heels of the kidnappers in order to rescue the remaining abductees still in captivity.
The army lamented that, there was a female student casualty said to have been found dead as a result of exhaustion, adding that the rescued teachers and students will be handed over to the Kebbi State Government.
‘The Nigerian Army appreciates the cooperation so far from good spirited citizens and wish to solicit for more. The Chief of Army Staff Maj Gen Faruk Yahaya has directed the Commander to spare no effort until all the abducted persons are safely rescued and reunited with their loved ones’, he said.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
