Boko Haram: NNPC Unsure of the Release of Abducted Staff

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Minister of State for Petroleum resources, ‎Ibe Kachikwu, has on Thursday said he cannot authenticate the release oil workers kidnapped by Boko Haram has been rescued.

Kachikwu made the declaration while speaking to journalists at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, headquarters in Abuja.

He said, “We only heard, but can’t confirm if anyone has been rescued”.

His statement comes after the Nigerian army confirmed the release of the oil workers.

READ ALSO:We have rescued oil workers kidnapped by Boko Haram- Army

Recall that Naija News reported that Boko Haram insurgents had on Tuesday, ambushed the oil workers in Magumeri local government area of Borno state.

Some of the security operatives guarding the oil workers were killed, including nine soldiers and some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

Their kidnap was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Cooperation, Ndu Ughamadu on Wednesday.

“They were kidnapped around Jibi village in Borno state after a gun duel between the security agents accompanying them and suspected Boko Haram fighters,” Ughamadu said.

Ughamadu disclosed that the NNPC had contracted the team to carry out research work on oil exploration activities taking place in the Lake Chad basin.