Categories: Local

Repentant Bandits Played A Role In Securing Release Of Kankara Boys – Garba Shehu

 

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu has explained how repentant bandits played a role in securing the release of over 300 schoolboys abducted from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina.

Shehu who disclosed this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily said although no ransom was paid, there were negotiations with the abductors.

“All of the leading actors involved in the release of the children said no ransom was paid.

“The governor of Zamfara State, who had a policy of engagement with the bandits leading to the surrender and renouncement of bandits, used repentant bandits to gain access to those that were in the forest and they had them (schoolboys) released. All the leading actors in Zamfara and Katsina state said no ransom was paid,” he said.

The presidential spokesperson added that the rescue operation involved joint efforts of security agencies including the Nigerian Army, police among others who all acted promptly.

He revealed that there were negotiations with the abductors after the troops of the Nigerian Army encircled the Zamfara forest where the hostages were held.

“The security services, the Army, police, intelligence agencies showed good judgement and capacity by promptly responding to the kidnap of those students and then locating exactly where they were being held.

“Having done that, they quickly mobilised and surrounded the entire place to ensure that they do not go out and they do not come in. So, whatever followed after that is to reap from the gain which has been done.

“The military identified where they were less than 24 hours after the kidnap and waited for the process of the negotiation and at the end of it, everyone is happy that it ended the way it did,” he said.

 

-Missing Schoolboys Found-

Over 300 students were abducted on Friday, December 11 after gunmen on motorcycles invaded Government Science School students in Kankara, Katsina State.

The abduction of the students sparked an outrage with calls from various individuals and groups on the government to step up efforts towards securing the lives of the people.

It occurred at a time when President Muhammadu Buhari had travelled to Daura, his hometown in Katsina for a private visit.

The boys were eventually released and received by the Katsina State government after seven days in captivity.

Ronke Sanya Idowu

Disqus Comments Loading...
Share
Published by
Ronke Sanya Idowu

Recent Posts

Governor Otu Felicitates Tinubu At 72

Wishing the president god's protection, good health and long life, the governor said: "I want…

9 mins ago

Evan Gershkovich: Determined US Reporter Jailed In Russia

His arrest in March 2023 on charges of spying -- the first such charge against…

21 mins ago

Calls For ‘Smartphone Free’ Childhood Grow In UK

The post in February triggered a tidal wave of reaction from parents similarly gripped by…

31 mins ago

Do Not Denigrate Nigeria In Your Sermons, Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective…

8 hours ago

Soldiers’ Death: Wanted Delta Monarch Turns Self In

Before he turned himself in to the police, the monarch spoke to journalists, insisting on…

9 hours ago

45 Killed As Bus Plunges Off South Africa Bridge

The vehicle had been heading from neighbouring Botswana to Moria in the north of the…

10 hours ago