The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has vehemently denied allegations that the Federal Government was engaged in negotiations with Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of abducted students from the Federal University in Gusau. 

This assertion was made by Mr. Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations at the MoD, in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja. Attari clarified that the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, was responding to statements attributed to a Governor suggesting that the Federal Government was in talks with the terrorists for the students’ release.

In his statement, Badaru condemned the abduction and reassured the residents of Zamfara that the federal government was sparing no effort to secure the safe return of the students. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu had issued a clear directive to the military and other security agencies to secure the release of the abducted individuals.

Badaru stated unequivocally, “The Federal Government is not engaged in negotiations with the Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of the abducted students.” He further added, “The government is diligently working around the clock to ensure the safe return of the students and other captives. The allegation is unfounded, and the ministry has not authorized any individual or group to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.”

The Minister expressed solidarity with the people of Zamfara and all Nigerians, assuring them of the progress being made to expedite the return of the female students from Federal University Gusau. He conveyed his confidence in the joint security task forces, who are tirelessly working in a covert manner to rescue the students.

While acknowledging the tragic nature of the abduction, Badaru revealed that the President’s directive had already yielded results, as 13 of the abducted students and three others were freed on the previous Monday. He attributed this achievement to the professional efforts of the military and conveyed his condolences to the affected families, the academic community, and the entire population of the state.

The Ministry of Defence’s statement serves as a robust denial of any ongoing negotiations with the Zamfara terrorists, underscoring the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted students through determined security operations.