Security agents in Sokoto State, working with their counterparts in Zamfara, freed sixteen Almajiri children and a mother who had been kidnapped in the Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State two weeks ago.
The Sokoto State Government said the rescue operation was carried out in coordination with the National Security Adviser’s office.
According to the Sokoto State Police Command, the alleged terrorists had previously called the Tsangaya school’s instructor and demanded a ransom.
But two weeks later, the abducted Almajiri children and the elderly woman were rescued and rehabilitated by the Sokoto State Government.
“I am really overwhelmed being that all the abducted children were rescued unhurt,” an excited Governor Ahmad Aliyu said while handing over the freed children to their parents.
During the event, the Garrison Commander of the 8th Division Brigadier General Alexander Tawasimi expressed joy at the rescue.
“This is a result of deliberate efforts by all security agencies, both here and that of Zamfara State, to ensure free passage of all abducted children,” he said, promising safety for residents of the state. “So, we want to thank God Almighty for making this possible for us.”
Sokoto is one of the states in the country battling with banditry and kidnapping. The Sokoto State Government floated a security outfit the Community Guards Corps as part of measures to combat the security challenge.