The Defence Headquarters has issued a statement regarding the successful execution of a rescue operation aimed at liberating hostages from the LEA School Kuriga situated in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that the operation, conducted in close coordination with local authorities and governmental entities, yielded the safe retrieval of the abducted individuals in Zamfara State.
In response to the initial incursion by terrorists on March 7, 2024, resulting in the abduction of an unspecified number of pupils from the LEA School Kuriga, the military promptly mobilized with a steadfast commitment to ensuring the safe return of all hostages.
Today, on March 24, 2024, through a meticulously coordinated effort involving the military and pertinent stakeholders, a strategic search and rescue operation culminated in the liberation of 137 hostages, comprising 76 females and 61 males, who were taken from the Kuriga school premises in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. These individuals will be subsequently transferred and entrusted to the care of the Kaduna State Government for further necessary actions.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that on March 21, 2024, troops successfully conducted another rescue operation resulting in the liberation of 16 pupils (Almajiris) and a woman held captive in Gada LGA of Sokoto State. The rescued individuals were expeditiously handed over to the Sokoto State Government.
Major General Buba emphasized that these commendable rescue efforts underscore the resolute commitment of the armed forces to locate and liberate innocent hostages while relentlessly pursuing the perpetrators of such reprehensible acts. Endeavors in this regard will persist until all hostages are accounted for, and those responsible for these egregious crimes are brought to justice in accordance with Nigerian law.
He further reiterated ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the tragic killings of 18 soldiers in the Okuama Community of Delta State. The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served, emphasizing that those found culpable will face the full extent of legal consequences and will not evade accountability.
Major General Buba affirmed the steadfast resolve of the armed forces to uphold the nation’s security and safeguard its citizens from all forms of threats and violence.
