Army intensifies search-and-rescue ops for abducted students across Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara

The Nigerian Army says troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have intensified search-and-rescue operations for abducted schoolchildren in Niger, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops, within the last 24 hours, neutralised terrorists and destroyed several hideouts across the North Central and North West regions.

He said troops of 22 Brigade responded to the abduction of students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, with ISR aircraft deployed while ground teams tracked the terrorists’ withdrawal route. According to him, the search operations have now expanded to the Audu Fari axis in Borgu LGA.

In Mariga LGA, troops at FOB Gulbin Boka ambushed terrorists attempting to link up with their group around Magaman Daji, leading to casualties on the terrorists’ side and the recovery of four motorcycles.

“On the Kebbi front, troops intensifying efforts to rescue students abducted from GGSS Maga on Nov. 17 conducted a major operation around Gando/Sunke Forest in Kebbi and Talata Mafara LGA of Zamfara. The strike force destroyed three terrorist camps, forcing the criminals to abandon their hideouts. Troops also recovered a lost international passport belonging to a female resident of Bagega,” he said.

The military source reaffirmed the army’s commitment to sustaining the operations until all abducted students are rescued and terrorist networks weakened across the North Central and North West regions.