The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating ungoverned spaces that serve as sanctuaries for criminals across the country.
This assertion came as he officially transferred custody of 16 abductees to the Zamfara State government officials, following their rescue from terrorists by security forces.
Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre within the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abu Michael, disclosed in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, “In demonstration of its unwavering commitment towards the safety and protection of Nigerians, the federal government has continued to record successes in various rescue operations of kidnap victims in the country, with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu handing over 16 abductees to officials of Zamfara state at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA.”
The rescued individuals, consisting of eight males and eight females, were abducted from Zurmi, Duran, and Gusau Metropolis in Zamfara State on April 22, 2024.
They were successfully liberated by a team of security operatives from the NCTC, ONSA, in two batches on June 27, 2024, in Shinkafi and Tsafe Local Government Areas.
During the handover to the state officials, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, the NSA reaffirmed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to eradicating kidnapping and other severe crimes in Nigeria.
He called on all citizens and residents to support the security agencies’ efforts in achieving the government’s vision of a secure nation.
Ribadu assured that comprehensive measures would be implemented to ensure a safe and resilient society, stating, “The government is working assiduously with relevant authorities to close-up ungoverned spaces that have continued to provide hiding places for criminal elements in the country.”
Major General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, after presenting the rescued victims to the NSA for their official handover, urged Nigerians to promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals to security operatives to enable a proactive response.
Recently, 22 abducted students and staff of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, were also rescued through coordinated efforts of security agencies under the leadership of Major General Adamu Laka, including a victim from Sokoto State.
The Zamfara State SSG was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Project Implementation, Zurumi Nasiru, and Alhaji Ibrahim Isah, to receive the rescued abductees in Abuja.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba, was also present at the event.
In a related development, the NCTC has established a multi-agency anti-kidnap fusion cell dedicated to monitoring and tracking kidnappers and facilitating the rescue of abductees.
