Insecurity: U.S ready to help Nigeria tackle kidnappings – FG

• The country has witnessed a surge in kidnapping incidents, especially in the North, in the last few weeks

The Federal Government says the United States is willing to help Nigeria in combating kidnappings and other high-profile crimes.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who disclosed this, said some other foreign countries are also offering to help Nigeria end its perennial security crisis.

Idris made the disclosure while addressing newsmen at the State House, Abuja, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He, however, said these offers are being looked at by the government.

The country has witnessed a surge in kidnapping incidents, especially in the North, in the last few weeks.

Last Thursday, 287 pupils were abducted from the Local Education Authority (LEA) primary school in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna.

No fewer than 61 people were abducted by suspected terrorists who attacked the Buda community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna on Monday. Bandits also kidnapped 16 Qur’anic students in Sokoto.

In Borno, over 300 Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) were abducted by terrorists.

According to Idris, President Tinubu was clear on his position that no ransom would be paid rescue those kidnapped.

The minister said: “We’re aware that it is not just the U.S. that has offered to help.

“Other countries have also offered to support Nigeria.

“But what we can tell you is that the government is still reviewing these offers, and the position of the government will be made known.”

According to the minister, security agencies are working to rescue those abducted as soon as possible.

He said, “Mr. President reiterated his directive to security agencies and the Ministry of Defense to ensure that our kids are brought back to their homes safely.

“The security agencies are working around the clock.

“These children and people that have been abducted by criminal elements will be brought back to safety pretty soon.

“Mr. President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by the government to any of these criminal elements.

“I think it’s important that this be put out there.

“So it’s important to underscore that the government is not paying anybody any dime.

“The government is optimistic that these children and other people that have been abducted will be brought back to their families in safety.”