Meanwhile, President Tinubu had said that no dime would be paid by his administration to kidnappers.
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of Kuriga schoolchildren kidnapped in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria.
The schoolchildren, aged five to 18 were abducted on Thursday, March 7 from the Kuriga primary and secondary schools in the state and the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu had said that no dime would be paid by his administration to kidnappers.
Following the release of the children on Sunday, Tinubu on his X handle said, “On the continued war against terrorism, insurgency, and violent extremism… We will not be deterred.”
A statement signed by the President said, “I welcome the news of the release of the Kuriga school children in Kaduna State.
“This reemphasizes the importance of collaboration between the federal government and states for expected outcomes, especially on matters of security.
“The National Security Adviser, the Security Agencies, and the Kaduna State Government must be commended for the dispatch and diligence with which they handled this situation. It is clear that incipient urgency, meticulous attention, and tireless dedication are critical to optimal outcomes in cases of mass abductions.
“I also welcome the release of pupils of a Tsangaya school in Sokoto State, and commend all the parties to the feat for their valiant effort.
“I once again assure Nigerians that my administration is deploying detailed strategies to ensure that our schools remain safe sanctuaries of learning, not lairs for wanton abductions.”
Earlier on Sunday, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State announced the release of the schoolchildren.
Although 287 schoolchildren were reportedly abducted, the Defence Headquarters said it rescued 137 pupils.
Governor Sani said, “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Most Merciful, I wish to announce that our Kuriga school children have been released.
“Our special appreciation goes to our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for prioritizing the safety and security of Nigerians and particularly ensuring that the abducted Kuriga school children are released unharmed.
“While the school children were in captivity, I spoke with Mr. President several times. He shared our pains, comforted us and worked round the clock with us to ensure the safe return of the children.
“Special mention must also be made of our dear brother, the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu for his exemplary leadership. I spent sleepless nights with Mal. Ribadu finetuning strategies and coordinating the operations of the security agencies, which eventually resulted in this successful outcome.
“The Nigerian Army also deserves special commendation for showing that with courage, determination and commitment, criminal elements can be degraded and security restored in our communities.
“We also thank all Nigerians who prayed fervently for the safe return of the school children. This is indeed a day of joy. We give Almighty Allah all the glory.”
But the defence headquarters in its statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen. Edward Buba on Sunday said 76 females and 67 males were rescued in Zamfara State.
It said, “It would be recalled that, on March 7, 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LG of Kaduna State During the incident, unconfirmed number of pupils were abducted. Following the incident, the military committed to leaving no stone unturned until all the hostages were rescued.
“Accordingly, in the early hours of March 24, 2024, the military, working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation, rescued the hostages.
“The hostages are the same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“The rescued hostages totalling 137 comprise of 76 females and 61 males were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.”
It said its efforts demonstrate the “armed forces’ resolve to find other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes”.
“These efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.
“Troops are employing similar efforts to track down the culprits responsible for the killings of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State,” it added.