Troops rescue 15 kidnapped students at Kogi orphanage, 8 still in captivity

Nigerian Army troops have rescued 15 students kidnapped by bandits from an unregistered orphanage/school facility in Zariagi, Kogi State.

Gunmen on Sunday stormed the facility and kidnapped 23 students.

They also kidnapped the school owner’s wife.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday in Lokoja.

Fanwo said efforts were underway to free the remaining victims.

He said: “The facility, Dahallusitab Group of Schools, was operating illegally in a remote and bushy location along the Kabba Junction axis without registration or notification to the authorities.

“The attack took place late on April 26, when armed men stormed the premises and took away 23 students, including the owner’s wife.

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“Security operatives led by the Nigerian Police, supported by other agencies, immediately responded and rescued the 15 students.”

The commissioner praised the “bravery and professionalism” of officers, and said their coordinated response significantly reduced the impact.

The government expressed concern about unregistered institutions operating in remote areas. And it warned that such establishments pose “serious security risks” under current conditions.

“Operating these facilities outside regulatory oversight not only undermines safety standards but also exposes innocent children to avoidable dangers,” Fanwo added.

He urged operators of orphanages and schools to comply with existing regulations and engage authorities for proper security assessment and protection.

He reiterated the government’s uncompromising commitment towards the protection of lives and property in the state.