The Nigerian Army’s Operation WHIRL PUNCH successfully rescued 137 school children abducted from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
However, the operation was not without its tragedies, as one teacher, Mr. Abubakar, lost his life during the captivity period.
Major General Mayirenso Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, disclosed that six of the rescued students are currently hospitalized. He assured that they will rejoin their peers once they receive medical clearance.
The abduction, which occurred on March 7th, 2024, sent shockwaves through the nation. Violent Extremists and Insurgents raided the LEA Primary School and the Government Secondary School, taking away 137 children and one staff member.
Despite the grim circumstances, a coordinated effort by security agencies, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Office of the National Security Adviser, led to the successful rescue mission.
General Saraso expressed gratitude for the combined kinetic and non-kinetic efforts that culminated in the safe return of the children. He recounted the ordeal endured by the students, who spent approximately 16 days in captivity before their liberation.
Following their rescue, the children received immediate medical attention at the Nigerian Army Troops Forward Operating Base in Zamfara State. They were later escorted to Kaduna, where they were reunited with their families.
The breakdown of the rescued children includes 76 females and 61 males. However, the joy of their return is tempered by the loss of Mr. Abubakar, the dedicated teacher who tragically died while held captive.
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, received the rescued children and assured continued support for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
