Zamfara students abducted: FG not engaging with terrorists – MoD

The claim that the Federal Government was in talks with Zamfara terrorists to obtain the release of the Federal University, Gusau students who had been kidnapped has been deemed false by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

This was said in a statement made by Mr. Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, MoD, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Attari claimed that the Federal Government was talking with the militants to gain the release of the students until Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, the Minister of Defence, reacted in response to a claim attributed to a governor.

While denouncing the act and assuring the people of Zamfara, Badaru stated that the Federal Government was making every effort to ensure their release.

He explained that in order to ensure the release of individuals who had been kidnapped, President Bola Tinubu has issued orders to the military and other security agencies.

He claims that the Federal Government is not attempting to negotiate the release of the kidnapped individuals with the militants from Zamfara. To ensure that the girls and others are able to return home, the administration is diligently working around the clock.

The ministry has not authorised any entity or organisation to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government, hence the accusation is incorrect and misleading.

He gave the people of Zamfara and all of Nigeria assurances about the advancements being made to hasten the homecoming of the female students and other Federal University Gusau students.

He expressed faith in the ability of the joint security task teams to quietly rescue the students around-the-clock.

He expressed his sincere condolences for the unfortunate kidnapping to the parents, the academic community, and all of the state’s citizens.

However, he pointed out that the release of 13 of the kidnapped students and the release of 3 additional students on Monday indicated that the president’s directive had begun to bear fruit.

“The military’s skilled efforts allowed us to accomplish this feat.

He stated, “I offer my condolences to the families of the girls and other victims of the abduction; I share your sorrow and vehemently condemn this disgusting act committed by suspected bandits. (NAN)