In a detailed fact-checking exercise, the Zagazola Makama has ascertained that recent reports claiming the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force in the rescue of kidnapped victims in Bwari are inaccurate.
The operation, which took place on January 20, was exclusively carried out by the Nigerian Army’s 197 Special Forces Battalion, contradicting the police’s narrative of events.
Troops involved in the operation have provided a comprehensive account backed with pictorial evidence embedded with coordinate data of the rescue mission near Gurara Dam in Kachia LGA, which was based on intelligence received at 2200 hours (10pm).
Zagazola authoritatively learnt that the troops swiftly responded and located 12 individuals – three adult females, two female children, and seven male children – who had been left by their captors.
The Army’s intervention was prompt and precise, with the military personnel dominating the area and ensuring the safety of the rescued parties.
Furthermore, the report from the Army indicates that the troops encountered an ambush by suspected bandits while returning with the rescued individuals.
Despite the sudden attack, the soldiers managed to suppress the threat without incurring any casualties among both the rescue team and the victims.
Meanwhile, the Police on Sunday confirmed that all the victims, including the five Najeebah sisters whose abduction had raised nationwide concerns, were rescued at about 11 pm on Saturday, and had since been reunited with their families.
The FCT Police Command, in a statement by its Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Josephine Adeh, said: “The operatives successfully rescued the Victims around Kajuru forest in Kaduna State at about 11:30 pm on Saturday 20th January 2024.
“CP Haruna Garba appreciated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun for the deployment of the newly commissioned Special Intervention Squad, which has given an uplift to the existing security architecture of the FCT.
“It has brewed public confidence, CP Garba reiterated the Commands commitment to sustaining the robust security deployment made in the area and other parts of the Territory for the utmost maintenance of peace for all and sundry.
“The good people of FCT are hence encouraged to note the following emergency lines and promptly report suspicious activities; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883. PCB: 09022222352.”
