The Nigerian Army on Monday handed over eight students of Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Kogi State, who were rescued on Sunday, to Gov. Ahmed Ododo at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The handover was conducted by the Deputy Chief of Operations (Army), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Emekah said the troops of the Nigerian Army, in synergy with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, successfully rescued the abducted students who were taken hostage by terrorists.
He said the rescue operation took place in a dense forest near Oro Ago Village in Kwara following an intense clearance mission.
He added that the operation was still ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to justice.
In his remarks, Gov. Ahmed Ododo thanked God Almighty for making the rescue of the students possible, adding that it was a mixed feeling for him as two of the 31 abducted students were murdered.
Ododo said that 29 of the students were successfully rescued and expressed appreciation for the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the military in the fight against insecurity in the country.
He also thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA) for making the country’s security apparatus more effective, efficient, and technology-driven.
“At this level, I have come to realise that the Nigerian army has all it takes to stamp out kidnapping, banditry, and all forms of criminal activities from our land.
“The level of synergy, understanding, collaboration, and coordination carried out by them professionally is highly commendable and I sincerely appreciate you and your men.
“I want to promise that Kogi State will always be there to partner with you and we are ever ready to answer your call at any point in time in fighting crimes and criminality in our land.
“We have all it takes in terms of equipment and we will continue to collaborate and synergize with your agencies to make sure our land is free of all these criminalities,” he said.
Ododo assured the students that the government would continue to support them to ensure their success in their aspirations and educational pursuits.
He noted that Kogi is a state well known for its rich mineral deposits, which must be harnessed for the benefit of the state.
He said the criminals now know that Kogi is not a safe haven for them, assuring that no criminal entering the state would be spared.
The governor commended the army for its efforts and display of professionalism in carrying out the rescue operation.
