The Defence Headquarters has said that the abductors of 137 schoolchildren from a government-owned school in Kuriga Chikun local government of Kaduna State, were killed during rescue operation.

Recall that over 280 pupils were abducted by terrorists during an attack on the school. The abductors had demanded for a ransom of N1 billion for their release.

However, 137 schoolchildren were rescued in Zamfara State on March 24? 2024 after a “fierce battle” between the terrorists and the military in collaboration with civilian joint task force elements.

The Defence Headquarters had in a statement said the children were rescued by troops in collaboration with local authorities.

“Accordingly, in the early hours of 24 March 2024, the military working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated search and rescue operation rescued the hostages,” the DHQ said.

“The hostages are same persons that were abducted from the school at Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

“The rescued hostages totaling 137 comprise of 76 females and 61 males. They were rescued in Zamfara State and would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.”

They were released 18 days after their abduction but the authorities did not mention if ransom was paid to secure their release.

However, Defence spokesperson, General Edward Buba said the children were released following a coordinated military operations with no arrests made rather, he said some of the terrorists were killed in the operation.

“several (of the terrorists) were killed in military action, and no arrest was made,” the Defence spokesperson said.