20 July 2017•Update: 20 July 2017
By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS, Nigeria
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo confirmed Wednesday the abduction of more women in northeastern Borno state, but did not say whether they are policewomen recently kidnapped by Boko Haram.
Osinbajo condemned “the atrocious and cowardly abduction of women” in a statement that came two days after Boko Haram released video of the policewomen who appealed to authorities for their release.
“The Acting President has therefore directed Nigeria's military and intelligence agencies to take all necessary steps including coordinating with our international partners to rescue the abducted women, as well as to ensure further tightening of security in and around Borno State,” according to the statement.
At least one dozen policewomen are believed to have been abducted late last month by Boko Haram militants who ambushed a convoy of security agencies that was traveling to bury a police officer. A number of operatives were killed in the fight.
Police confirmed the deadly ambush occurred but denied the abduction, rejecting a claim by Boko Haram it had kidnapped policewomen and captured weapons.
Osinbajo’s statement was silent on the identities of the women and when the abduction took place in an apparent, yet potentially costly, bid not to contradict the denial by police.
No other abductions have taken place since in the area.
Critics say the handling of the abduction mirrors the failure of the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan to initially acknowledge the mass kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in northeastern Chibok in 2014.
At least 106 of the girls remain in captivity.
