The National Security Adviser (NSA) has handed over 16 rescued kidnapping victims to the Zamfara State Government.
These individuals were abducted from Zurmi, Duran, and Gusau Metropolis in Zamfara State on April 22, 2024. According to a statement by Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the victims were rescued in two batches on June 27, 2024, in Shinkafi and Tsafe Local Government Areas.
Michael detailed that the rescued individuals, consisting of eight males and eight females, were officially handed over to Zamfara State officials by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
“In a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to the safety and protection of Nigerians, the Federal Government has continued to record successes in various rescue operations. NSA Nuhu Ribadu, at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, officially handed over 16 abductees to Zamfara State Government officials,” Michael stated.
The victims, rescued by security operatives of the NCTC and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), were presented to state officials led by Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada. Ribadu reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating kidnapping and other crimes in the country.
“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 to support the security agencies’ efforts in achieving this vision. Ribadu assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring a safe and resilient society,” Michael added.
Ribadu also highlighted the government’s collaboration with relevant agencies to secure ungoverned spaces exploited by criminals. “The government is working diligently with relevant authorities to close ungoverned spaces that provide hiding places for criminal elements,” he said.
Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, after presenting the rescued victims to the NSA, urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities promptly. He also recalled the recent successful rescue of 22 abducted students and staff from the Federal University Gusau, coordinated by joint security efforts.
