Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a significant breakthrough, Nigerian troops have secured the release of Dr. Ganiyat Nurudeen Popoola and Master Folaranmi Abdul Mughiy, who were kidnapped from their Kaduna home on September 27, 2023.
The duo was abducted from the Doctors’ Quarters at the National Eye Centre, along with Dr. Popoola’s husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Abiodun Popoola, who was rescued on March 8, 2024.
The successful release was achieved through non-kinetic efforts by the troops at around 5 pm on October 30, 2024.
Although details of the release remain classified due to ongoing operations, this development indicates that some terrorist leaders and combatants are willing to surrender.
This trend is also observed in the North East, where similar situations are unfolding.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized that ending insecurity requires collective effort and cooperation beyond military action.
The release of Dr. Popoola and Master Mughiy brings hope to families affected by kidnapping and terrorism.
The story read in part, “Recall the abduction of one, Dr Ganiya Nurudeen Popoola, along with her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Abiodun Popoola, and a teenage, Master Folaranmi Abdul Mughiy, on 27 September 2023. The trio were abducted from their home (Doctors’ Quarters) at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna. Following the abduction, troops subsequently rescued the husband on 8 March 2024.
“Additionally, troops kinetic operations resulted in the rescue of several other hostages in terrorists captivity in the North Centre threatre of operations. However, it the operations were mostly futile with regards the above abducted persons.
“All the same, at about 1700hrs of 30 October 2024, troops through none kinetic efforts secured the release of the abducted Dr Ganiyat Popoola and the above named teenager.
“Though the details of their release by the terrorists remains classified due to ongoing operations. It is significant to state that their release is indicative of overtures by several terrorists leaders and their combatants to surrender to troops.
“It would be recalled that similar situations is ongoing in the North East, and it is therefore, not uncommon in war situations and a welcomed development .”
