Abducted Zamfara students: FG not negotiating with terrorists—MoD
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has dismissed as false the claim that the Federal Government was talking with Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of the abducted Federal University, Gusau students.
Mr. Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Attari, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, was responding to an allegation attributed to a governor that the Federal Government was negotiating with terrorists to obtain the students’ release.
While denouncing the conduct and assuring residents of Zamfara, Badaru stated that the federal government was doing everything necessary to achieve their release.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu had given the military and other security services a marching order to ensure the release of those kidnapped.
According to him, the federal government is not engaging with Zamfara militants to free the kidnapped. The administration is working around the clock to ensure that the girls and others are able to return home.
“The allegation is false and misleading, as the ministry has not mandated any body or group to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.”
He informed Zamfara locals and Nigerians in general that efforts were being made to expedite the return of female students and others from Federal University Gusau.
He was confident that the joint security task teams were working quietly throughout the clock to rescue the pupils.
He expressed his profound condolences to the parents, academic community, and the entire state population for the unfortunate abduction.
He did, however, highlight that the president’s directive was beginning to bear fruit, as 13 of the abducted students and three others were released on Monday.
“This feat was accomplished through the military’s professional efforts.”
“I condole with the families of the girls and others that were abducted; I share in your pain and strongly condemn this reprehensible act carried out by suspected bandits,” he stated.