Troops rescue remaining 8 abducted Kogi varsity students

In a significant breakthrough, troops of the Nigerian Army in synergy with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, deployed for counter-terrorism operations in the South West have successfully rescued 8 more students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State taken hostage by terrorists. 

Recall that kidnappers invaded the university around 9 pm on Thursday, May 9, 2024, and abducted many students. 

A total of 20 of the abducted students were rescued by security operatives in collaboration with local hunters while the kidnappers killed two of the victims, James Michael Anajuwe and Musa Hussein. 

The Army in a statement on Sunday, June 2, 2024, said the rescue operation took place in a dense forest near Oro Ago village in Kwara State.

“The operation, which was initiated following an intense clearance mission by the collaborating troops and security operatives, uncovered the location of the kidnapped students through a swift and comprehensive search of the nearby forests and villages to locate the remaining abducted students,” the statement read.

“The search efforts were concentrated along the Gbugu, Pategi, and Oro Ago Axis, including areas such as Babasango and Babanla. 

“Consequently, the troops detected the movement of the terrorists, who were attempting to relocate their hostages. As troops approached the terrorists’ location, the terrorists abandoned the students and fled into the forest. 

“The rescued students have been safely evacuated and handed over to the authorities of Kogi State Government for further action and reunion with their families.

“This operation underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, particularly in regions plagued by terrorists’ activities. 

“The swift and decisive action of the troops has not only saved lives but also sent a strong message to terrorist elements operating in the area.

“The Nigerian Army enjoins the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency, as collective efforts are crucial in the fight against terrorism and criminality in the region.” 

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students. 

The state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement on Sunday, said that the state governor has directed full support towards the recovery of the students and their parents, while modalities are being put in place to make the state safer for all. 

“The government of Kogi State expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the mobilisation of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students,” the statement read. 

“We also thank the National Security Adviser immensely for his commitment to the release of the students and the general security of the State

“The Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police and all the officers and men of the Armed Forces that put in their best as well as the Pilots, did a wonderful job to support us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families

“The Kogi State Command of all the security agencies, Police, DSS, NSCDC and our local hunters are also highly appreciated for their efforts towards this feat

“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also expresses immense gratitude to his Kwara State counterpart, Governor AbdulRahmam AbdulRazak for his personal commitment, cooperation and support towards the success of the operation that led to the rescue of the remaining kidnapped students

“The Kwara State Governor showed the reason he is effectively leading the Nigerian Governors Forum. His actions have also reinforced the Kogi/Kwara cooperation and unity of purpose.” 

Now that the remaining students have been rescued, Fanwo said the administration will continue the drive to recalibrate its security architecture and pay attention to the Safe School Initiative.

“As the state with the lowest out-of-school children in the North, we have put structures in place to keep our schools safe to ensure every child is not deprived of his or her right to education.“

“Kogi has domesticated the Child Rights Act and we will defend the right of our children to quality education. In Kogi State, education is free up to the Secondary School level. 

“We also pay the registration fees for our students to write all internal and external examinations with a budgetary allocation that is way above the UNESCO benchmark for education.

“We do all of these to educate our children and make them responsible contributors to the economy of Nigeria,” the statement added.

The governor urged citizens to always volunteer intelligence to security agencies to enable them to prevent crime. This is safer, cheaper and better for us all

“All of us must come together to defeat banditry, kidnapping and any form of criminality in our society,” he added.