Troops rescue 13 kidnap victims in Zamfara, foil terrorists’ attack

Troops of Joint Task Force, North West Operation Fansan Yamma (JTF NW OPFY) have recorded another major operational success in Zamfara state, rescuing 13 kidnap victims during separate intelligence-led operations in Anka and Kaura Namoda local government areas.

Spokesman of the JTF NW OPFY, Lt. Col Aliyu Danja, disclosed this in a statement, Wednesday.

He said: “In the first operation, troops of Sector 2 in Bagega responded swiftly to credible intelligence on armed terrorists moving on motorcycles towards Tungan Kudaduku in Anka LGA.

“Guided by real-time surveillance, the troops pursued and engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee. A follow-up search of the area led to the discovery of a makeshift terrorist camp, where five kidnapped civilians were rescued unharmed.

“In a separate operation at Ungwan Rogo, Kaura Namoda LGA, troops acted on credible intelligence of terrorist activity in the area. On contact, they engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to retreat in disarray and abandon their captives. Eight kidnap victims were rescued, and two vehicles recovered.

“All rescued victims have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further care and support.

“Troops continue to dominate the general area, denying terrorists’ freedom of action and sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating across the theatre.”

…Ododo orders crackdown on abductors

In a related development, the Kogi state government Wednesday mobilised a massive multi-agency security operation to secure the safe rescue of four persons abducted from Government Secondary School (GSS), Olowa in Dekina local government area during the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

In a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, the operation which is being coordinated by the state’s security adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), with the full participation of all security and intelligence agencies operating in the state, was directed by the governor,  Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The statement listed the victims to include an elder, Daniel Iyanaa, Principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa; Mr. Solomon Audu, a NECO official; Miss Dorcas Sunday, a NECO candidate; and another female NECO candidate identified simply as Miss Dorcas, whose surname was yet to be confirmed as at the time of this report.

Fanwo said five persons were initially abducted by the criminals, noting that one victim had since been rescued, while efforts  were ongoing to ensure the safe return of the remaining four.

“Officers and men of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Anyigba, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Kogi State Vigilante Service, local hunters and other security outfits have all been deployed to the area.

“Advanced technology is also being deployed to support the operation, and encouraging progress is being recorded.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the examination centre, located in a remote and vulnerable area, was being used as a “miracle” centre for external candidates.

“The two female candidates involved were not regular students of Government Secondary School, Olowa, and the examination arrangements did not align with the security framework put in place by the Kogi State Government to protect candidates writing the ongoing NECO examinations across the State” the statement said.

The statement further said that the  Kogi state government stressed  “that the act  does not diminish its responsibility to protect every resident and every Nigerian within its borders.

“The victims are our people, and the Government will spare no effort in ensuring their safe rescue and the arrest of those responsible for the crime.

“To protect the integrity of the ongoing operation, the Government will not disclose further operational details at this time,” it added.

The statement urged residents of Olowa and surrounding communities  to cooperate with security personnel by providing credible information and complying with security directives.

The commissioner assured that the state government remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, saying it  will continue to work closely with security agencies until the victims are safely reunited with their families.

…Ransom demand

Meanwhile, the abductors have demanded a N10 million ransom for the release of the victims.

Commissioner of Police in charge of Kogi State Police Command,  Naziru Bello Kankarofi, disclosed this in Lokoja while addressing journalists.

He said the kidnappers attacked the secondary school when the students were writing NECO examination in an isolated area, during which the school principal, four students and two NECO staff were whisked away.

According to him, the Command had mobilised all security forces in the state including the military, vigilante and hunters to  rescue the victims.

The CP further disclosed that the abductors have communicated with the family members of the kidnapped  principal of the school, demanding for ten million naira ransom.

He expressed optimism that the perpetrators of the attack will be apprehended and appealed to the locals go assist the security agencies with useful information.

Speaking on the security measures taken earlier by the command, the Commissioner of Police said directives had been issued to the management of school to assemble their students in a safer environment to avoid any attack during examination.

He lamented that the abducted principal took ten students to an isolated school to write the NECO examination.

According to him, the secondary school was not accredited to write any external examination, describing the school as “miracle centre”.

He warned school principals in the state to desist from taking students to an environment where there is no presence of security.

He also warned that the Command will not tolerate any act of negligence that will tarnish the image of the state and the country, assuring that the security agencies will continue to do their best in providing adequate security of life and property.