Since the release of the Kankara boys that were abducted from their school in Katsina State, this December, 2020, various groups and individuals have claimed credit for the alleged unconditional release of the boys. The list is long but the latest party to do so is the Nigerian Air Force.
Alluring247News considers the conflicting claims dramatic and deserving of this compilation. See below the groups and individuals that said they secured the release of the kidnapped Kankara boys.
Katsina State Governor
Right from day one when the abduction took place, the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari claimed that he was on top of the situation. He briefed the public that the government began talks with the kidnappers who contacted them. It is unclear if it was a negotiation or a security operation that led to the safely release of the boys.
The abductors of our Children have made contacts with the Government and talks are ongoing to ensure their safety and return to their respective families.
The security agencies deployed for rescue operations have also informed us that they have located their position.
— Aminu Bello Masari (@GovernorMasari) December 14, 2020
Whereas the above comment of Aminu Bello Masari reveals that he negotiated with the abductors and the security agencies really were able to locate them (the criminals), no attack was launched against them. Well, this is not the focus of this article. Let us go to the next claimant.
DSP Abba Kyari
On his social media handle, the police officer and crime detective, Abba Kyari shared a photo where he was surrounded by an excited crowed praising him for his role in rescuing the abducted Kankara boys. . It is worthy of note that he was deployed to Katsina to help in the rescue effort and in about 48 hours, the boys were released. He was particular about praising his boss, the IGP for the rescue. He shared the post below on his Facebook page while reacting to their release.
“Glory be to God Almight.y. Kudos to our boss IGP Adamu Mohd and to all that supported and the prayers from Nigerians. Very Happy for the parents and Congratulations to all Nigerians.”
The Nigeria Air Force
The Nigerian Air Force claimed on December 19, 2020 that they maintained strict surveillance of Zamfara and Katsina States and ensured that the bandits failed to take any action. This means that they knew exactly where the kidnappers were and monitored them (also regularly cautioned them not to hurt any of the boys or try anything stupid). According to them, this made the bandits stranded and forced them to release the boys. However, they acknowledged that it was a combined operation but emphasized their role in the rescue mission. Below is their tweet.
(2/3) From the time of the incident, @NigAirForce deployed additional ISR & other air assets to provide persistent surveillance over areas of interest in Katsina & Zamfara States, whilst maintaining offensive air presence to deny the abductors freedom of action pic.twitter.com/LNLdGXaakg
— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) December 18, 2020
Nigerian Defense Headquarters
It was a different story altogether as the Army gave credit for the rescue to troops of Operation Hadarin Daji of the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army did not make any mention of any other security apparatus or hint on any negotiations with the abductors as earlier indicated by Governor Masari. Even the Nigerian Air Force who said they mounted powerful air surveillance and helped monitor the abductors, were not mentioned or credited by the Nigerian Army. Below is the tweet.
Troops of OPERATION HADARIN DAJI Rescue Abducted Students of Government Science Secondary School KANKARA, Katsina Statehttps://t.co/8RbWkv2SyC pic.twitter.com/3qolmHhwO4
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DefenceInfoNG) December 18, 2020
Please let us know of any other person or agency that claimed responsibility for the release of the Kankara boys so we can update this list. We want it as comprehensive and inclusive as possible.
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