The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, warmly welcomed 22 abducted students and staff of Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara, who were successfully rescued on Sunday. The group, consisting of 15 students and seven university staff members, had been taken captive in September 2023.
Ribadu expressed his encouragement to the rescued individuals, advising them to draw strength from their ordeal rather than be broken by it. He extended gratitude to the parents of the rescued victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal, as well as to the security agencies for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices.
In his statement, Ribadu thanked all parties involved in the rescue operation for their commitment, emphasizing the government’s continuous efforts to secure the release of unlawfully held captives. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to bolster law enforcement and security measures to prevent future abductions and enhance security in vulnerable communities.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, recounted the abduction incident, which occurred on September 22, 2023, when armed bandits raided three off-campus student hostels in Gusau, kidnapping several female students and male artisans, including a security guard and a university protocol officer. Laka detailed the ordeal faced by the victims during their 207 days in captivity and the comprehensive efforts undertaken by law enforcement agencies to secure their release.
Following their rescue, the abductees underwent profiling at the NCTC, with minor medical treatments administered to those with injuries. Laka reassured that none of the female victims had been molested, and all tested negative for pregnancy. Hafsat Ibrahim, one of the rescued victims, expressed gratitude to both God and the government for their safe return.
Representing the Zamfara government, Mr. Ibrahim Anka praised the NSA for his coordination of military and security operations, which led to the successful rescue of the victims. He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent strides in improving security within the state.
