Odita Sunday 
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has pledged to sustain efforts towards rescuing victims kidnapped in Kurmin Wali, assuring affected families that operations are ongoing.
In a statement issued on Friday, and signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military said it had “acknowledged the apprehensions expressed by displaced residents” and remained focused on the safe return of the victims.
According to Onoja, claims of reduced security response were unfounded, as troops and other security agencies were conducting intelligence-led operations in surrounding forest areas.
“The AFN, in close collaboration with other agencies, has been executing sustained, intelligence-driven operations,” he said.
He explained that the operations involve patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering and targeted actions aimed at locating the kidnappers without endangering the hostages.
Onoja said operational restraint in some cases was intentional, stressing that the protection of captives remains the priority.
“Operational restraint is a deliberate strategy guided by the need to safeguard the captives and avert unintended harm,” he noted.
He added that although details could not be disclosed for security reasons, significant efforts were ongoing to dismantle the criminal networks behind the abductions.
The military spokesman appealed to the public for patience and cooperation, reaffirming that the AFN remains committed to reuniting the victims with their families.
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