Niger abduction: Army vows to track down bandits

The Nigerian Army has said it is in ‘hot pursuit’ of the bandits involved in the abduction of students and staff of Government Science School, Kagara, Niger State. Daily Trust had reported how gunmen broke into the school and took away over 20 students and staff less than 72 hours after 21 passengers heading to […]

The Nigerian Army has said it is in ‘hot pursuit’ of the bandits involved in the abduction of students and staff of Government Science School, Kagara, Niger State.

Daily Trust had reported how gunmen broke into the school and took away over 20 students and staff less than 72 hours after 21 passengers heading to Minna, capital of Niger State, were abducted in broad daylight.

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Reacting to the fresh abduction in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, the spokesperson of Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima, described the incident as “unfortunate”.

He said troops were mobilised immediately after the incident to rescue the victims and track down the “criminal elements” who perpetrated the evil act.

According to him, the rescue operation is being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and provide necessary information to security agencies that would lead to the arrest of the criminal elements.

“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,” the army spokesperson said.