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AANI Celebrates Safe Return of Kuriga school Children, Calls For Increased School Security

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The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), has rejoiced with the Kaduna state government on the successful return of the Kuriga school children kidnapped by gunmen, calling for increased school security.

According to the National President of the Association, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, the release is a great move towards ensuring that kidnapped school children are returned safely.

The statement reads:

“The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) wishes to convey its heartfelt jubilation and congratulations to all Nigerians over the swift and successful rescue of the Kuriga school children from the clutches of bandits. We are profoundly grateful to all those who played pivotal roles in ensuring the safe return of these innocent children, marking a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of terror that have plagued our nation in recent times.

We particularly commend the unwavering dedication and leadership exhibited by His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose decisive actions and directives paved the way for this triumphant rescue operation. Additionally, we express our appreciation to the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, whose steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of his constituents has been quite exemplary. We note and appreciate the tremendous role of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu mni, in facilitating this commendable feat. Our sincere gratitude to the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and security forces, deployed in the northwestern of the country, whose bravery and determination in executing the rescue mission underscore their unwavering resolve to protect our citizens and defend our nation’s integrity.

The safe return of the Kuriga school children stands as a testament to the efficacy of proactive governance and the prioritisation of the safety and security of our people. It is a stark departure from the tragic events of the past, notably the abduction of the Chibok school girls in 2014, reminding us that progress is indeed possible when leadership is resolute in its duty to safeguard its citizens. We call on all those in authority to be more proactive and decisive in a bid to make Nigeria better.

While we celebrate this significant victory, we must however remain more vigilant and resolute in our efforts to prevent such atrocities from occurring again. Consequently, AANI urges the government at all levels, and security agencies to implement the Safe School Initiative and robust measures aimed at fortifying our schools and communities against the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and other criminalities. AANI strongly believes that every child deserves the fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that this right is upheld without compromise.

Furthermore, we call upon the government to expedite efforts to secure the release of all individuals held in captivity by terrorists and bandits since 2014. The scourge of banditry kidnapping and other forms of insecurities must be decisively tackled to restore peace and stability to our beloved nation.

We would like to reiterate our deepest gratitude to all those who played a role in securing the release of these children, including the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Kaduna State Government, local law enforcement agencies, intelligence officers, negotiators, and medical personnel. Your courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment brought these children home safely. We also recognise the bravery of the schoolchildren themselves, who faced this terrifying experience with resilience. Our thoughts are with them and their families as they recover from this ordeal. Everything humanly possible should be done to ensure their well-being and ease the trauma induced by the sad experience in captivity.

It will be recalled that AANI recently cautioned against the increasing insecurity in the country. We should underscore the need for the Government at all levels, to undertake a vulnerability assessment of all schools especially those in remote areas to ensure that such incidents will not occur again, as the security authorities including the traditional leadership will be held accountable in the future.

AANI stands ready to collaborate with governments, agencies, and all stakeholders committed to forging a safer, more secure Nigeria and developing effective strategies to safeguard our schools and protect our future generations. Together, we can overcome the challenges that beset us and build a future where every citizen can thrive without fear or apprehension.

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Joint Security Forces Nab 12 Kidnap Suspects, Rescue Victims in Kogi/Kwara Operation (Photos)

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Twelve suspected kidnappers and one informant have been arrested in a coordinated security operation carried out across parts of Kogi and Kwara States.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo through a press statement made available to newsmen.

He said the suspects were apprehended during a series of raids jointly executed by the Hybrid Force from the Office of the National Security Adviser and Officers and Men of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Egbe.

The operations covered Isanlu-Esa and Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, and Patigi, Lafiagi and Gbugbu in Kwara State.

The statement identified the suspected kidnappers as Mainasara Abubakar, Sadik Abubakar, Jude Sani, Sanda Abubakar, Lawali Usman, Tukur Shehu, Hassan Abubakar, Kabiru Surajo, Makiri Dodo, Bala Hassan, Umaru Sanda, and Ruwa Abubakar. Also arrested was Rabiu Makeri, who is believed to be an informant for the gang.

According to the statement, the security forces engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, during which some of the kidnappers fled, abandoning their motorcycles and kidnap victims. Several kidnapped women were successfully rescued during the confrontation.

“We want to thank the gallant officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser and our men at the FOB, Egbe for their courage and professionalism. We also commend the Kwara State Government for their cooperation, which has yielded this outstanding result,” the statement read.

“Peace has returned to Kogi West as the criminal route from Kwara into our communities has now been disrupted. There will be no hiding place for the criminals. One of the security agents who confronted the kidnappers was shot and he is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Yagba West Local Government Area of the State. The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has offered to cover all the costs of treatment”, he said.

The Commissioner further assured the public that the arrested suspects will face full prosecution after investigations, reaffirming the state’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality.

In a separate remark, the Executive Chairman of Yagba West LGA and ALGON Chairman for Kogi State, Hon. Tosin Olokun, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing the logistics and support that enabled the success of the operation.

“Governor Ododo promised to restore peace to Yagba West and Yagba as a whole. Today, he has backed those words with decisive action. We can now heave a sigh of relief. The people of Yagba are grateful for his leadership and the results it is delivering,” Olokun said.

The Kogi State Government emphasized its ongoing commitment to working with federal and regional partners to ensure the safety and security of all communities within the state.

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JUST IN: Court Frees 24 IPOB Members After Four Years of Detention

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A high court in Ebonyi State has ordered the release of 24 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after they were held in detention for four years.

The ruling on Thursday marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings involving the group.

The 24 IPOB members were discharged and acquitted by Justice I. P. Chima of Ebonyi State High Court.

It was gathered that they were among the last batch of the IPOB detainees out of the 36 held since May 4 2020.

Meanwhile, their lawyer and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, confirmed their freedom in a statement titled, “Justice Delayed, But Never Denied.”

According to him, the ruling followed the preliminary objection which highlighted the brazen violation of their fundamental rights: particularly the constitutionally guaranteed protection against double jeopardy, enshrined under Section 36(9) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Ejiofor said the sacred principle, “autrefois acquit”, stipulates that no person shall be tried again for an offence in respect of which they have previously been acquitted.

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Ebonyi Police arrests sisters in Crime for brother’s kidnap

The two sisters are security agents. while Juliet Chukwu is an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ngozi Nancy Chukwu is of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

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Two sisters have been apprehended by the Enugu State Police Command for allegedly masterminding the kidnapping of their brother, Mr. Friday Chukwu.

The two sisters, Juliet Chukwu and Ngozi Nancy Chukwu, are the younger sisters of the victim, who hails from Amaeze village, Ishiagu community, in the Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The two sisters are security agents. while Juliet Chukwu is an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ngozi Nancy Chukwu is of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

It was gathered that through the duo’s connivance, Chukwu was kidnapped last month on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway near the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, in the Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State.

And through the sisters’ prodding and subtle moves, it was claimed that the sum of N30 million was paid for their brother’s release.

Earlier, the two female security operatives orchestrated the abduction of the General Manager of China Oriental Mining Company, Dennis Igwe, in the same area on Monday.

Luck ran out of them when they were traced to a hidden hotel where they were to share the sum of N10m ransom paid for Igwe’s release, and they were arrested.

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