Military Secure Release of Hostages Abducted From National Eye Centre, Kaduna, Says Details Of release Remains Classified

The troops of the Nigerian military have secured the release of the abducted one Dr. Ganiyat Popoola and a teenager Master Folaranmi Abdul Mughiy on 30th October 2024,

A statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said the release was secured through none kinetic efforts on Wednesday at about 1700hrs. 

According to the DHQ, Dr. Ganiya Nurudeen Popoola, along with her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Abiodun Popoola, and the teenage, Master Folaranmi Abdul Mughiy, were abducted from their home (Doctors’ Quarters) at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna on 27 September 2023. 

Following the abduction, troops subsequently rescued the husband on 8 March 2024 through kinetic operations which also resulted in the rescue of several other hostages in terrorists captivity in the North Centre threatre of operations.

According to General Buba, details of their release by the terrorists remains are classified due to ongoing operations and their release is indicative of overtures by several terrorists leaders and their combatants to surrender to troops.

He said similar situations is ongoing in the North East, and it is therefore, not uncommon in war situations and a welcomed development. He therefore assured that overall, more details about the development will follow in due course.

The statement stressed that terrorists have a window of opportunity to surrender or be killed in the battlefield and reminded all that ending the insecurity plaguing the nation requires a collective effort of everyone and not just military action.