Police rescue 100 hostages, arrest 88 suspects in Bauchi

Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Police has rescued 100 hostages and arrested ‎88 suspected criminals in some forests.

The Commissioner of Police, Zaki Mohammed Ahmed who stated this while briefing newsmen yesterday in his office, said those arrested included 59 suspected kidnappers and 14 armed robbery suspects. He said 71 suspects had been charged to court while 13 others were under investigations.

Ahmed said one Malam Madrid Tanimu was arrested with his accomplice while planning to break the Bauchi ‎Federal Prison to free his brother who is standing trial in a case of terrorism.

Parading the suspects, the police commissioner said that 83 cows and 16 goats were recovered, along with weapons.

In another development, a group, the Global Excellence Foundation (GEF), has challenged the military to build on the current success in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency and ensure that every Nigerian held captive by the terrorists is freed.

The country Director of GEF, Prof. Ola Yemi, at a press conference at the weekend, said there were people still being held by Boko Haram and not known to the public because they did not enjoy the media attention like the Chibok schoolgirls.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts at fulfilling his campaign promise of securing the release of the Chibok girls, Yemi lauded the gallantry of the Nigerian military.

He said Nigeria’s military had proven to the world that terrorism could be defeated with the right approach and determination to place national interest above all other narrow considerations.

Also, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) has described the release of 21 of the Chibok girls as confirmation of a serious-minded and focused government determined to secure a better future for Nigerians.

The PPA Chairman in Delta State, Mr. Fred Obi, who spoke with journalists yesterday in Asaba, the state capital, said: “Today, we receive with joy the release of 21 of the young ladies. It is with joy that I want to first of all, thank Jehovah the Almighty God and His beloved Son Jesus Christ, before thanking President Buhari and his team of security personnel as well as other well-meaning Nigerians that in one way or the other contributed to this achievement.

“The achievement has indeed renewed the hope of Nigerians in democracy that with focused leaders in place, Nigeria will in no distance time be moved up from a third world nation. It also shows there are political solutions to every challenge bedeviling us as a people.”