FG rescues kidnapped victims, hands over 16 abductees in Zamfara
The Federal Government’s rescue operations of kidnap victims across the country continue as 16 abductees were handed over to officials of Zamfara State Government at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The victims, comprising 8 males and 8 females, were rescued in two batches on June 27, 2024, in Shinkafi and Tsafe LGAs.
They were abducted from Zurmi, Duran, and Gusau Metropolis in Zamfara State on April 22, 2024, and later rescued by security operatives from the NCTC, ONSA.
The NSA, Mallam Ribadu, who presented the victims to state officials led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, highlighted the resolve of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Government to eradicate kidnapping and other heinous crimes.
He urged all citizens and residents to continue to support security agencies’ efforts to achieve the government’s vision of securing the country.
He assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring a safe and resilient society.
He said the government is working diligently with relevant authorities to close ungoverned spaces that have provided hiding places for criminal elements.
The National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, also appealed to Nigerians to report suspicious activities and characters to security operatives promptly to enable proactive responses.
Only few weeks ago, 22 abducted students and staff of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, were also successfully rescued through joint efforts of security agencies coordinated by the NCTC under the leadership of Major General Adamu Laka, including a victim from Sokoto State.
The SSG was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Project Implementation, Hon. Zurumi Nasiru, and Alhaji Ibrahim Isah of the State Liaison, Abuja.
Also present at the event was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba.
Meanwhile, the NCTC has set up a Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell for monitoring and tracking kidnappers and rescuing abductees.
In a related development, The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing national security through collaboration with Turkiye.
He commented on a visit by Hidayat Bayraktar, the Turkiye Ambassador to Nigeria, to the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Gaidam acknowledged Nigeria’s complex security challenges and stressed the need to exchange knowledge, expertise, and best practices with Turkiye to tackle them effectively.
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