Saharareporters was the first on the scene to report the botched rescue of two Europeans this morning in Mabera layout in Mabera Itti in Sokoto South local government area that ended with the death of the two captives by Boko Haram militants.
Saharareporters was the first on the scene to report the botched rescue of two Europeans this morning in Mabera layout in Mabera Itti in Sokoto South local government area that ended with the death of the two captives by Boko Haram militants.
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Our sources on the ground reported that a combined team of soldiers and state security operatives had surrounded a house in an operation that started last night in Zaria. Some members of the kidnap ring were captured by the Nigerian security forces.
UK government confirmed that the Nigerian forces were accompanied by the British Special Forces in the rescue operation.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister of the UK revealed that the invasion of the house in Madera was authorized for a team if 12 UK special forces comprising of eight members of the Special Boat Service, supported by 12 Royal Marine commandos and Nigerian troops drawn from the army and the State Security Service.
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The captives were Chris MacManus, a British citizen, and Franco Lamolinara, an Italian national. They had been working on a Central bank construction project in Birni Kebbi, but were captured in May 2011. It appeared that both hostages "were murdered by their captors before they could be rescued" by Nigerian and British forces, Prime Minister David Cameron said.
Late last year Saharareporters disclosed that the US had deployed Special Forces to combat Islamic militants. Our report was refuted by the US ambassador at the time.
Also tonight, official confirmation of the attack came from President Goodluck Jonathan, who issued the following statement: “President Gooodluck Ebele Jonathan has condemned the killing of two kidnapped foreigners - an Italian and a British citizen - in Sokoto State Thursday, by their Boko Haram captors before they could be rescued by a joint security raid on the kidnappers' hideout.
Describing their death as sad, unfortunate and regrettable, the President on behalf of the Nigerian government and on his own behalf, extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people and governments of Britain and Italy.
The President, who commended the cooperation and understanding of the British and Italian governments, assured that the perpetrators of the murderous act, who have all been arrested, would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
President Jonathan also gave assurances that the Nigerian government would take every necessary step to protect the lives of foreigners in the country.
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