We’ll Rescue Abducted NDA Officer Without Paying Ransom – Military

THE Military High Command has said the Armed Forces of Nigeria will give its all to ensure the officer abducted during an attack on the Nigeria Defence Academy regains his freedom.

Two members of Nigeria’s armed forces were killed and one officer identified as Major Christopher Datung was abducted in the attack.

Recall that the gunmen invaded the permanent site of the institution located along Airport Road, Afaka, in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on August 24.

The Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr, had in a statement said troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria were in hot pursuit of bandits that carried out the attack.

However, in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Sunday, Sawyerr said the operations to rescue the abducted officer were ongoing, adding that the military was not considering paying ransom.

Sawyerr, who alluded to how the United State neutralised Osama Bin Laden, added that the military’s focus of operation has changed.

He said, “We don’t need to talk much on operational matters. When the United States were planning the attack on Osama Bin Laden, the military were waiting and planning and struck when they got where the man was and they achieved success.

“Right now, we have changed the focus of our operations and it is bringing result. No serving officer will contribute money to pay as ransom. Operations are still ongoing to rescue the abducted NDA officer, no matter what, we must rescue him.”

Asked for his comments on a viral video of some people allegedly killed by the military in Zamfara, Sawyerr said, “The video is meant to portray our Armed Forces as being crude.

“The operations are being conducted in strict compliance with the rules of armed conflicts, utmost professional manners, strict adherence to rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights and dignity.”