- The government’s efforts are focused on closing up ungoverned spaces that have become safe havens for criminal elements in the country.
- These ungoverned spaces have long provided hiding places for criminals, and the government’s move aims to deny them such sanctuaries.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, says the federal government is tirelessly working with relevant authorities to address a critical security issue.
This was contained in a statement signed by Abu Michael Head, Strategic Communications NCTC-ONSA made this known on Thursday in Abuja.
By closing up these ungoverned spaces, the government hopes to enhance national security and curb criminal activities that have plagued the nation.
Ribadu stated this when he officially handed over 16 abductees to officials of the Zamfara State Government following the rescue from terrorists by security agencies.
It reads, “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, with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu handing over 16 abductees to an official of Zamfara state at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
“The victims who were rescued in 2 batches on 27 June 2024 in Shinkafi and Tsafe LGAs comprised 8 males and 8 females.
“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 to 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”.
In his remarks, 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.
Recall 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 Zamfara State SSG was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Project Implementation, Hon. Zurumi Nasiru and Alhaji Ibrahim Isah to receive the rescued abductees in 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.
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