NSA hands over 16 more kidnap victims to Zamfara govt

In a 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, as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, handed over 16 abductees to officials of Zamfara State Government.

The event held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Thursday.

The victims, who were rescued in two batches on June 27, 2024, in Shinkafi and Tsafe local government areas (LGAs), comprised eight males and eight females.

The Guardian reports that the 16 were abducted from Zurmi, Duran and Gusau metropolis of Zamfara State on April 22, 2024. They, however, were successfully rescued by a team of security operatives of the NCTC-ONSA.

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The spokesman of the NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, while presenting them to officials of the state led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, said 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 security agencies in achieving the government’s vision of securing the country. Ribadu assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring a safe and resilient society.

According to him, the government is working 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 a proactive response.

Recall that a 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, 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 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 of kidnappers and the rescue of abductees.