The Defence Headquarters announced that the troops of Operation Hadrin Daji rescued 16 Almajiris and a woman who were abducted in Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The PUNCH reported that terrorists invaded the LGA on March 9, 2024, and took the victims.
In a statement on Saturday, the DHQ, through the Director of Media Operations, Maj. Gen Buba Edward, stated that the troops, local authorities, and government agencies worked together to ensure the freedom of the hostages.
It was mentioned that the rescued victims were handed over to the Sokoto state government.
The statement mentioned, “Terrorists invaded and kidnapped 16 pupils (Almajiris) along with a woman in Gada LGA of Sokoto State.
“On 21 March 2024, the military, in collaboration with local authorities and government agencies across the country, carried out a coordinated search and rescue operation to save these hostages.
“The rescued hostages have been handed over to the Sokoto State Government for further action.”
Edward, however, stated that the military had expanded its resources to locate and rescue kidnapped victims in the country.
He pledged that the military would not stop until terrorists and other non-state actors abducting citizens are held accountable.
Edward added, “Additionally, the armed forces are dedicating all of their efforts and resources to locate other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists who committed these crimes.
“These efforts will continue until they are found and the terrorists are arrested, tried, and brought to justice under Nigerian law. The military will persist until all kidnapped hostages are rescued.”
Edward also pointed out that troops would employ the same efforts to identify those responsible for the death of its personnel in Delta State.
He said, ” Furthermore, troops are making the same effort to trace the culprits accountable for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State on 14 March 2024.”
He stated that the banner of wanted individuals would be placed in strategic locations.
He said, ” Indeed, to limit the freedom of action of terrorists and the perpetrators of insecurity across the country, the military has released banners of wanted terrorists and their associates.
“The banners will be positioned in strategic areas across the country. The deployment of the banner is for ease of recognition and arrest of the wanted individuals. The public is urged to cooperate and report, please.”
