The Nigerian Army says its troops have been mobilised in hot pursuit of abductors of kidnapped members of staff and students of Government Science School, Kagara, Niger State.
About 27 students, three staff and 12 family members were abducted by the gunmen from the school.
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima said, in a statement:
“The Nigerian Army (NA) troops in a renewed effort and swift response to the unfortunate incident where bandits kidnapped members of staff and students of Government Science School, Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State has mobilized and are currently in hot pursuit of the criminal elements in the general area.
“In the report making rounds on traditional and on line media, it was reported that the bandits gained entry into the school in the early hours of today Wednesday 17 February 2021 and abducted unspecified number of members of staff and students of the School.
“The Nigerian Army in line with its constitutional mandate wishes to reassure the general public that troops in operational synergy with sister security agencies are in hot pursuit of the criminal elements in order to ensure safe return of the kidnapped victims.
“Furthermore, the NA also wishes to call on members of the general public to provide actionable information to security agencies that would lead to the arrest of these criminal elements”.
President Muhammadu Buhari had since directed the Armed Forces and police, to ensure immediate and safe return of all the captives.
Buhari also dispatched a team of security chiefs to coordinate the rescue operation and meet with state officials, community leaders as well as parents and staff of the college.
