Photo Credit: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have rescued 17 abducted pupils and students in Kogi State following sustained joint operations, while nine others — including two women — remain in captivity.
Security sources said the victims were freed after a reported abduction on 27 April. Those rescued are Sultan, Zeidah, Ahmed, Yusuf, Farooq, Museen, Mustapha, Hasheem, Mohammed, Toheer, Abdulmumin, Abdulazeem, Mahmud, Ameerah, Firdaus, Tabarakallah and Ibrahim.
Nine victims are still being held by the abductors. They include Habibullah, Shakir, Ahmed, Abdulhammed, Mubarak, Sultannah, Zulaiha, as well as Nana-Hawa and Halimat, wives of the school proprietor.
Joint security forces have intensified bush-combing operations and are tracking the kidnappers to secure the release of the remaining victims, the sources added.
Personnel have been deployed to strategic locations, with stop-and-search operations ongoing along major routes, including Kabba Junction and Zariagi. Patrols, intelligence gathering and surveillance have also been heightened across the area.
