Troops Rescue Hostages from Illegal Orphanage in Nigeria

Seven children and two women, who were abducted by gunmen last month in Nigeria's north-central region, have been successfully rescued by the military, according to a statement by the Nigerian army on Wednesday.

The incident occurred when armed assailants targeted an Islamic orphanage in an isolated area of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, capturing 23 pupils. Although 15 captives were initially freed, the latest operation saw the remaining victims recovered in a forest area, as confirmed by army spokesperson Hassan Abdullahi.

The rescued group includes five boys, two girls, and two adult women, allegedly the wives of the orphanage's proprietor. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, yet it underscores a troubling trend, where schools are targeted for kidnappings to draw attention and demand ransom, experts note.

(With inputs from agencies.)