By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has made another landmark success in its kidnap victims rescue operations as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) officially handed over 16 abductees to officials of Zamfara State Government.
The victims who were rescued in 2 batches on 27 June 2024 in Shinkafi and Tsafe LGAs comprised 8 males and 8 females, a statement signed and issued Friday by the head, Strategic Communications, NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, said.
They were abducted from Zurmi, Duran and Gusau Metropolis in Zamfara State on 22 April 2024 before they were successfully rescued by a team of security operatives of the NCTC, ONSA.
While presenting them to officials of the state led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, the NSA reiterated the resolve of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to rid the country of kidnapping and other heinous crimes.
He urged all citizens and residents of Nigeria to continue to support the efforts of the security agencies in achieving the government’s vision of securing the country. Mallam Ribadu assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring a safe and resilient society.
According him, 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.
The National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, after presenting the rescued victims to the NSA for their official handover appealed to Nigerians to always and timely report suspicious activities and characters to security operatives to engender proactive response.
It would be recalled that few weeks ago, 22 abducted students and staff of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, were also successfully rescued by 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 at the event was the Chairman 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 of kidnappers and rescue of abductees.