Ndudi Anyim
Barely 24 hours after the abduction of some teachers and students of Federal Government College, Birnin Yawuri in Kebbi State, troops of the Nigerian Army have in a fierce operation, rescued some of the victims.
The troops under the auspices of Operation HADARIN DAJI, reportedly engaged the bandits in a gun battle, and five students with two teachers were rescued.
Security Watch Africa reports that operatives of the Nigerian Air Force also supported the operation, this is as a student lost her life during the gun battle which lasted for hours.
According to a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, a Brigadier General, 800 cattle were also recovered form the bandits, who are also involved in cattle rustling.
The statement said: “Troops had been on a hot pursuit of the kidnappers and bandits following an unfortunate abduction incident in Federal Government College, Birnin Yawuri on June 17. Two teachers and five students were rescued after a fierce exchange of fire with the criminals.
“The rescue followed an initial encounter with the abductors in the early hours of today 18 June, 2021 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 2.30am and engaged them in a fire fight 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.
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.
“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.”