The National Security Advisor (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has handed over sixteen (16) more rescued hostages to the Zamfara State Government.
Ribadu handed over the rescued victims to the Zamfara State officials at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in Abuja where he promised to work towards closing ungoverned spaces serving as safe haven for criminal elements across the country.
A statement by the Head, Strategic Communication NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, said the victims comprising eight (8) males and eight (8) females were rescued in two batches on 27 June 2024 in Shinkafi and Tsafe local government areas of the state.
The rescued hostages, the NSA said, were abducted from Zurmi, Duran and Gusau Metropolis in Zamfara State on April 22, 2024 before they were successfully rescued by a team of security operatives of the NCTC, ONSA.
Ribadu presenting the rescued hostages to officials of the state government led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, reiterated the resolve of the President Bola Tinubu-led government to rid the country of kidnapping and other heinous crimes.
The NSA 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.
He assured that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring a safe and resilient society.
He said, “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”.
The National Coordinator NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, after presenting the rescued victims to the NSA for their official handover, appealed to Nigerians to always report timely suspicious activities and characters to security operatives to engender proactive response.
He recalled that 22 abducted students and staff of the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, including a victim from Sokoto State, were successfully rescued by joint efforts of security agencies coordinated by the NCTC, recently.
The SSG was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Project Implementation, Hon. Zurumi Nasiru and Alhaji Ibrahim Isah of the State Liaison, Abuja.
The Chairman Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba was also at the event.
Meanwhile, the NCTC has set up a Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell for monitoring and tracking of kidnappers and rescue of abductees.
