The Nigerian Army, on Friday, said troops operating under the auspices of Operation Hadarin Daji who have been on a hot pursuit of kidnappers and bandits following an unfortunate abduction incident in Federal Government College, Birnin Yawuri, in Kebbi State, had rescued two teachers and five students after a fierce exchange of fire with the criminals.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the rescue followed an initial encounter with the abductors in the early hours of Friday after trailing the kidnappers from Yawuri through Riyao to Sombo community, where the kidnappers who had split into two groups fled, with one group conveying the abducted children, while the second group conveyed rustled cattle.
Nwachukwu said the land troops in conjunction with elements of the Nigerian Air Force, who provided close air support during the rescue mission, intercepted the two groups about 2.30 am and engaged them in a fire fight, leading to the successful rescue of the teachers and students.
He said the troops also recovered 800 cattle rustled by the bandits.
Nwachukwu said the “gallant” troops were still on the heels of the kidnappers in order to rescue the remaining abductees still in captivity.
He said a female student was found to have given up the ghost as a result of exhaustion.
Nwachukwu said the rescued teachers and students would be handed over to the Kebbi State government.
He said the Nigerian Army appreciated the cooperation so far from good spirited citizens and witoed to solicit for more.
Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya had directed the Commander to spare no effort until all the abducted persons were safely rescued and reunited with their loved ones.
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