Osinbajo Orders Military, Rescue Abducted NNPC, UNIMAID Staff

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has directed the country’s military to ensure that abducted staff of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), regain their freedom.

Boko Haram insurgents had last week ambushed some workers of the NNPC who had gone on oil exploration in Borno state, abducting them alongside some staff of UNIMAID.

The abduction happened at Magumeri in Gubio local government area of the north-eastern state.

The army had claimed it rescued the workers while the information showed that five lecturers of the university, soldiers and Civilian JTF were killed by the terrorists.

Also, the Boko Haram elements had released a video of three of the abducted member of the oil exploration team.

Osinbajo in a statement on Sunday by Laolu Akande, his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, described the abducted staff as selfless individuals who risked their lives for the good of the country.

He said the Federal Government will sustain its effort in the war against insurgency and restore peace to the north east.

“Some of these extraordinarily selfless Nigerians from the NNPC and the university of Maiduguri put their lives on the line that we and generations to come will enjoy the resources of this land,” Osinbajo said

“We will never forget that sacrifice.

“The objective of this patriotic exercise is to open up new areas for oil exploration for the common good of all Nigerians.

“The terrorist attack resulted in a number of deaths of hard working and innocent Nigerians, and the abduction of some.”

Osinbajo hailed the resilience, courage and bravery of the soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the fight against insurgency, assuring the government will cater for the welfare of their families.