By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) in synergy with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, have successfully rescued 8 more students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, Kogi State taken hostage by terrorists.
The NA disclosed this on Sunday via its Facebook account, HQ Nigerian Army.
Recall that gunmen had, early last month invaded the campus of the institution and abducted several students. Within the first few days of the abduction, 21 students were rescued through the joint efforts of security forces and local hunters. However, two of the kidnapped students were killed by the kidnappers, ostensibly as an act of revenge due to the killing of some of the kidnappers during the rescue mission.
The recent rescue operation, which took place in a dense forest near Oro Ago Village in Kwara State, was initiated following an intense clearance mission by the collaborating troops and security operatives who uncovered the location of the kidnapped students through a swift and comprehensive search of the nearby forests and villages to locate the remaining abducted students.
The search efforts were concentrated along the Gbugu, Pategi, and Oro Ago Axis, including areas such as Babasango and Babanla.
Consequently, the troops detected the movement of the terrorists, who were attempting to relocate their hostages. As troops approached the terrorists’ location, the terrorists abandoned the students and fled into the forest. The rescued students have been safely evacuated and handed over to the authorities of Kogi State Government for further action and reunion with their families.
“This operation underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, particularly in regions plagued by terrorists’ activities. The swift and decisive action of the troops has not only saved lives but also sent a strong message to terrorist elements operating in the area”, the NA said, while enjoining the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency, as collective efforts are crucial in the fight against terrorism and criminality in the region.
