Army Intensifies Search-and-Rescue for Abducted Students, Destroys Terrorist Camps in North Central, North West Nigeria

Troops have stepped up search-and-rescue operations for schoolchildren abducted in Niger, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, the Nigerian Army has confirmed. Operating under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, soldiers have reportedly neutralised terrorists and destroyed several hideouts across the North Central and North West regions over the past 24 hours.

Following the abduction of students from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger, troops from the 22 Brigade deployed ISR aircraft and ground teams to track the perpetrators’ movements. Search efforts have since expanded to the Audu Fari axis in Borgu Local Government Area.

In Mariga Local Government Area, soldiers at FOB Gulbin Boka ambushed a group of terrorists attempting to join forces near Magaman Daji, resulting in casualties and the seizure of four motorcycles. In Kebbi, troops intensified operations to rescue students taken from GGSS Maga on November 17, targeting areas around Gando/Sunke Forest and Talata Mafara Local Government Area in Zamfara. These operations led to the destruction of three terrorist camps, forcing the criminals to abandon their hideouts, and the recovery of an international passport belonging to a female resident of Bagega.

The Army has pledged to continue the operations until all abducted students are safely recovered and terrorist networks in the North Central and North West regions are dismantled.