The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday has revealed that troops through none-kinetic efforts secured the release of the abducted Dr Ganiyat Popoola and a teenage, Master Folaranmi Abdul Mughiy, who were on 27 September 2023 abducted along with her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Abiodun Popoola from their home (Doctors’ Quarters) at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. General Edward Buba revealed this in a press statement made available to journalist in Abuja.
General Buba noted that following the abduction, troops subsequently rescued the husband on 8 March 2024.
General Buba said troops kinetic operations resulted in the rescue of several other hostages in terrorists captivity in the North Centre threatre of operations. However, it the operations were mostly futile with regards the above abducted persons
He added that though the details of their release by the terrorists remains classified due to ongoing operations. It is significant to state that their release is indicative of overtures by several terrorists leaders and their combatants to surrender to troops. It would be recalled that similar situations is ongoing in the North East, and it is therefore, not uncommon in war situations and a welcomed development .
General Buba assured that more details about the development will follow in due course. Nevertheless, these terrorists have a window of opportunity to surrender or be killed in the battlefield. On the whole, ending the insecurity plaguing our nation requires a collective effort of everyone and not just military action.