Bandits have reportedly attacked the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTEC) Osara in Kogi state.

The bandits, it was gathered, invaded the university around 9pm on Thursday.

The incident occurred while students were reading in classrooms for their forthcoming examinations.

A student who pleaded anonymity, said that she was in ‘Class LR5’ with some other students for tutorials, when they heard a gunshot.

The student said they were shocked to hear the first boom of a gun, with several gunshots following in quick succession.

“We started scampering for safety and it appeared that the gunshots were coming from class LR3, where some students were also reading,” she said.

“I did not know where to run to. When I peeped through the window, I saw our security guard returning fire.”

The source disclosed that some students who managed to escape, said the bandits were shooting at them as they fled the scene.

“This morning, we cannot find some of our course mates. Their phone lines are not reachable. We even saw someone’s phone on the floor. We don’t know the number of students that have been kidnapped,” the student said.

The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, said it has apprehended personnel for illegal possession of ammunition and explosives during a routine search operation by the Military Police K9 Team, at the Borno Express Terminal in Maiduguri, Borno State.

A statement by Major Gen Onyema Nwacbukwu, Director of Army Public Relations said, “The soldier, Lance Corporal Mubarak Yakubu was found in possession of 756 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and four 36 hand grenades, ingeniously concealed within a small bag of rice”.

“This arrest underscores the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of illegal activity or contravention of military regulations by its personnel.

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that the soldier had been de-inducted from active theatre operations in March 2024 and was undergoing de-induction training at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

“The soldier was on a welfare pass from Jaji to Kaduna and Adamawa from April 30, 2024, to May 13, 2024, when the arrest took place.

“The NA wishes to assure the public that it will continue to act decisively to maintain discipline within its ranks and ensure the security of all Nigerians.

“The soldier in question is currently in custody and a thorough investigation has commenced to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding this incident and to apply the appropriate disciplinary measures.

“This proactive measure by the Military Police K9 Team reflects Nigerian Army’s relentless vigilance and its proactive approach to enforcing compliance with military laws and regulations.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to its role as a professional military organization dedicated to the service of our nation and the protection of its citizenry.”

The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, handed over Lydia Simon, the rescued Chibok schoolgirl, and her three children to the Borno State government for reunification with her family.

The Theatre Commander, North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, disclosed this during the handing over ceremony at the Mailmalari Cantonment, on Thursday in Maiduguri.

He said that troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion rescued the lady carrying a six-month-old pregnancy, alongside her three children on Wednesday, April 17, in The Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.

Shuaibu said she was number 18 among the girls who were rescued by the Nigerian military.

He recalled that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 made both national and international headlines, culminating in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.

According to him, several efforts have been made both internationally and nationally to return the girls safely and reunite them with their families.

“One of such national efforts is the conduct of military operations deep within the terrorists’ enclaves, which have yielded positive results to facilitate the rescue of some of the Chibok girls.

“Starting from Esther Marcus, who appears on serial 103 on the abducted Chibok school girls’ list, who was the first to be rescued by troops of 7 Division Gar, till now efforts are still ongoing.

“Just recently on April 17, one more Chibok girl was rescued with her three children from the Mandara mountain by troops of the theatre will continue to do its best to rescue those still in captivity.

“The rescue will be in line with the strategic direction and guidance from the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff.

“We thank the Chief of Army staff for all the resources he has provided in the theatre to achieve its mandate,” he said.

Also Speaking, the acting General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, Brig. Gen. Abubakar Haruna, said the girl received medical treatment and other care by the division since her release.