The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has said that schoolchildren abducted in Kaduna on March 7, 2024, were rescued in Zamfara State.
It however gave the number of those rescued as 137 and not 287 reportedly kidnapped when terrorists invaded LEA School in Kuriga.
The schoolchildren, aged five to 18 were abducted on Thursday, March 7 from the Kuriga primary and secondary schools in the state and the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu had said that no dime would be paid by his administration to kidnappers.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Sunday gave the impression that all the abducted schoolchildren had been released, saying, “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Most Merciful, I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.
“Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for prioritizing the safety and security of Nigerians and particularly ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed.
“While the school children were in captivity, I spoke with Mr. President several times. He shared our pains, comforted us and worked round the clock with us to ensure the safe return of the children.
“Special mention must also be made of our dear brother, the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu for his exemplary leadership. I spent sleepless nights with Mal. Ribadu finetuning strategies and coordinating the operations of the security agencies, which eventually resulted in this successful outcome.
“The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities.
“We also thank all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children. This is indeed a day of joy. We give Almighty Allah all the glory.”
But the defence headquarters in its statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen. Edward Buba on Sunday said 76 females and 67 males were rescued in Zamfara State.
It said, “It would be recalled that, on March 7, 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State During the incident, unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted. Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued.
“Accordingly, in the early hours of March 24, 2024, the military, working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation, rescued the hostages.
“The hostages are the same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise of 76 females and 61 males were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.”
It said its efforts demonstrate the “armed forces’ resolve to find other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes”.
“These efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.
“Troops are employing similar efforts to track down the culprits responsible for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State,” it added.
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