In a daring rescue operation, the military, in collaboration with local authorities, successfully freed 137 abducted schoolchildren from LEA School Kuriga in Kaduna's Chikun Local Government Area.
The rescue, which came less than 48 hours after another operation in Sokoto State, saw 76 females and 61 males liberated from captivity.
The children had been taken into the forest by suspected terrorists, sparking national outrage. The abductors had demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release, threatening to start killing them if not paid by March 27, 2024.
However, it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid for their freedom. Despite the success, around 150 victims are still held captive.
The rescued children are set to be handed over to the respective state governments for further action.
The military's commitment to rescuing hostages and combating terrorism across the country was underscored, with ongoing efforts to locate other hostages and apprehend the perpetrators.
The operation reflects the armed forces' determination to safeguard innocent lives and bring criminals to justice.
Source: Daily Trust