File photo: Abducted Kebbi school girls released
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a total security cordon of forests in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states following recent terrorist activities in the three states.
The order came as Tinubu welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi, on Nov. 17.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, announced the Presidential order on Tuesday in a post on his verified X handle.
He said the President also directed the Nigerian Air Force to expand air surveillance across the innermost parts of forests in Kwara where terrorists are believed to be hiding.
“The President had ordered the Nigerian Air Force to intensify and expand air surveillance across the innermost parts of the forests where criminal groups are believed to be hiding.” Dare said.
The Presidential aide said the Air Force was mandated to maintain 24-hour surveillance and synchronise operations with troops on the ground.
He added that the directive also applies to the Kebbi and Niger axis, where more rescue operations are expected.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi, on Nov. 17.
The president also charged the security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue others still in captivity.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tinubu expressed relief that the schoolgirls, taken shortly after a military detachment left the school premises, had been reunited with the authorities.
He stated that the Kebbi abduction had sparked copycat incidents in Eruku, Kwara , and Papiri, Niger.
All 38 the abducted victims in Eruku were freed on Sunday, while the Niger Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had confirmed that 50 of the missing students from a Catholic School in the state had returned home.
The president commended the security agencies for their efforts so far, urging them to intensify operations to free those still held.
