Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the auspices of Operation Hadarin Daji have rescued two teachers and five students of the Federal Government College, Yauri, Birnin Kebbi who were kidnapped in their hostel.
The troops who have been in hot pursuit of the kidnappers and bandits following the unfortunate abduction incident in Federal Government College, Birnin Yawuri yesterday 17 June 2021 have so far, rescued two teachers and five students after a fierce exchange of fire with the criminals.
A statement signed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the rescue followed an initial encounter with the abductors in the early hours of today after trailing the kidnappers from Yawuri through Riyao to Sombo community.
He added that the kidnappers who had split into two groups fled, with one group conveying the abducted children, while the second group conveyed rustled cattle.
According to him, “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 firefight leading to the successful rescue of the teachers and students. The troops also recovered 800 cattle rustled by the bandits.
“The gallant troops are still on the heels of the kidnappers in order to rescue the remaining abductees still in captivity.”
Nwachukwu noted that a female student was found to have died as a result of exhaustion, adding that some of the rescued teachers and students will be handed over to the Kebbi State Government.
“Sadly, a casualty was recorded during the exchange. A female student was found to have given up the ghost as a result of exhaustion. The rescued teachers and students will be handed over to the Kebbi State Government,” he said.
The Army spokesman, however, commended the cooperation of good-spirited citizens for the information provided that led to the rescue of some of the students and teachers.
“The Nigerian Army appreciates the cooperation so far from good-spirited citizens and wishes to solicit for more,” Nwachukwu noted.
He stated that 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.
