Nigeria: President Tinubu deploys troops to rescue 250 kidnapped schoolchildren

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of troops to rescue over 250 pupils abducted by gunmen from a school in Kaduna state, marking one of the largest mass kidnappings in three years.

The assault on the GSS Kuriga school in Chikun district occurred early Thursday, with criminals on motorbikes, locally referred to as “bandits,” firing shots into the air during their attack. As residents and teachers attempted to escape, at least one person was shot dead. Conflicting reports suggest that between 200 and 280 children and teachers were abducted.

This incident follows another mass kidnapping a week ago in Borno state, further emphasizing the severe security challenges faced by President Tinubu. The president, who pledged to enhance national safety and attract foreign investment, expressed confidence in the armed forces’ ability to rescue the victims.

“I have received briefing from security chiefs on the two incidents, and I am confident that the victims will be rescued,” Tinubu stated, adding, “Nothing else is acceptable to me and the waiting family members of these abducted citizens. Justice will be decisively administered.”

The recent abductions echo the infamous 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping by Boko Haram militants. Despite efforts, some of those girls remain missing. Last week’s kidnapping in Borno resulted in conflicting reports, with more than 100 people initially reported missing.

International condemnation poured in, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling the kidnappings “reprehensible” and urging accountability. UNICEF also condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for increased student protection.

Nigeria’s armed forces, engaged on multiple fronts, are combating armed criminals in the northwest and a persistent jihadist insurgency in the northeast. The northwest region, including Kaduna, has witnessed a surge in mass abductions over the past three years, with ransom payments securing the release of most victims.

As the nation grapples with escalating security concerns, President Tinubu faces a daunting task to fulfill his promises of a safer Nigeria and increased foreign investment. The government has assured relentless efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted children, leaving “no stone unturned” in the rescue mission.