Nigerian troops have successfully rescued 16 pupils and a woman who were abducted by jihadists in Sokoto State two weeks ago, military authorities said on Saturday. The victims were taken from Gada County on March 9, leaving families and communities anxious about their fate.
According to a statement by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, a coordinated search- and rescue operation involving the military, local authorities, and government agencies led to the hostages’ freedom. The statement did not elaborate on the details of the operation to protect the rescued individuals and potentially ongoing efforts.
The rescued pupils, referred to as Almajiris, are students attending traditional Quranic schools. The woman’s identity and purpose for being abducted were not made public.
Major General Buba confirmed that all 17 rescued persons have been handed over to the State authorities for further care and support. This includes medical check-ups and likely psychological counseling to help them cope with the trauma of their abduction.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
