The pioneer Director of Defence Media Operations and former Commandant of the Army War College, Retired Major General John Enenche, has commended the military and other security operatives for securing the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted in Niger State.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Enenche described the development as significant, noting the complexity of rescue efforts in difficult terrains controlled by armed bandits.

“My take is that the government and security agencies have done a lot. And I believe Nigerians will be happy for this. The reason is that it was like a hope lost,” he said.

He recalled that only about 40 pupils were initially rescued after the November 21 attack on St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, where over 300 children and staff were abducted.

“After a long while that as many as 300 were taken away, the initial rescue was around 40. But now, we have 100. I can tell you that it is not easy, whichever way or means were used to get these children out. Of course, they will not tell you the nitty-gritty,” he added.

Enenche stressed that the method used, whether negotiation, non-kinetic approaches or other tactical decisions, was secondary to the outcome.

He added, “Whichever way, even if it is through non-kinetics or just bargaining and promises or having to exchange something for another thing to give a free passage to release them, nobody knows.

“But on the whole, the lives of these 100 children have been saved, and I think this is a good signal.”

The November 21 attack saw gunmen storm the remote Papiri community at about 2 a.m., abducting more than 300 pupils and teachers from the school.