The Nigerian Army on Friday, December 18, stated that troops rescued the over 300 students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina, abducted by bandits on December 11.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Army spokesman, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, who said the military has kept its promises of ensuring the rescue of the hostages.
However, these claims by the Nigerian Army contradicted the statement by Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari.
Masari had revealed to the press that the students were released after negotiations with the bandits by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria leadership.
The governor also claimed that no ransom was paid, noting that the hostages were voluntarily released by the bandits.
But the Nigerian Army in its statement on Friday, titled, ‘Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji rescue abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina,’ said, “Keeping to its promise to ensure the safe return of all abducted students of Government Science Secondary School Kankara, Katsina State, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji rescued all 344 abducted students on Thursday 17 December 2020.
“The students were rescued on the heels of credible intelligence by our gallant troops, with a high degree of professionalism to ensure they were all rescued alive.”
“The Military High Command commends troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, including all security agencies for their dexterity. The general public who volunteered information is also hereby appreciated,” it added.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to aggressively address the nation’s security challenges; also saying things will never be the same again in 2021.
The president made this position known; while reacting to the release of the abducted students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, at his country home, Daura.
The president, who pledged never to betray the truth reposed in him by Nigerians; said he was very worried about the security situation in some parts of the country.
”It is our responsibility to secure this country for all the citizens to do their businesses without any problem. We haven’t achieved that yet, but, we will keep on trying
”I’ll continue to be loyal to this country. I have asked for this mandate; I got it, I must not advance any excuse for failing to perform.
”On the issue of insecurity, I’m extremely worried about it, and I hope next year it will be different. Those among the law enforcement agencies that would remain in charge would be extremely busy,” Buhari said.
Photo Credit: Getty
