Eight days after gunmen attacked the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, the search for Major Datong is still on.
He was abducted by the gunmen, who killed two officers in the academy’s premises on August 21.
NDA authorities which hitherto remained silent on the fate of the abductee, said in a statement yesterday that they had received encouragement from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt-General Faruk Yahaya in their efforts to ensure the safe return of the officer.
Its Public Relations Officer, Major Bashir Jajira, said Gen. Yahaya also approved the deployment of six “gun trucks and other operational enablers” in the institution for the enhancement of its security.
The statement partly reads: “The COAS paid a visit to the NDA on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 over the recent security breach in the Academy.
“In his welcome address, the NDA Commandant, Maj.-Gen. I. M Yusuf, briefed the COAS on the security breach in the Academy on August 24, 2021.
“He also expressed his appreciation to the COAS for his encouragement and support for the academy before and after the incident, particularly the efforts being made to ensure the safe return of the abducted officer.
“He particularly thanked the COAS for upgrading the Academy’s demonstration battalion to a full-fledged battalion, provision of six gun trucks to the Academy, posting in of more instructors and staff members, and the provision of other numerous operational enablers to enhance the security of the academy and its environs.
“The commandant informed the COAS that these support measures have really boosted the morale of the staff members and the security of the academy.
“The commandant also briefed the COAS on the new security measures being taken in collaboration with 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Kaduna State to prevent any future security breach in the academy.
“The COAS appealed to the academy staff members to remain loyal to the country and not allow the unfortunate incident to deter them from their ultimate objective of grooming officer cadets for the Armed Forces.
“He further enjoined all officers, soldiers and civilian staff in the Academy to remain vigilant because the fight against insecurity must be a collective effort.”