The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has officially handed over 16 kidnapping victims to representatives of the Zamfara state government, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
In a statement on Thursday, Abu Michael, head of strategic communications at NCTC-ONSA, announced that the victims, rescued in two groups on June 27, 2024, from Shinkafi and Tsafe local government areas, included 8 males and 8 females.
He noted that the victims had been abducted from Zurmi, Duran, and Gusau Metropolis in Zamfara state on April 22, 2024, before being rescued by a team of NCTC and ONSA security operatives. During the handover to state officials led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, the NSA emphasized the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to eradicate kidnapping and other serious crimes.
He encouraged all Nigerians to support the security agencies’ efforts to achieve the government’s goal of national security.
Mallam Ribadu assured that every effort would be made to ensure a safe and resilient society.
He stated that the government is diligently working with relevant authorities to eliminate ungoverned areas that serve as hideouts for criminals.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, after presenting the rescued victims to the NSA for their official handover, urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities and individuals to security forces promptly to enable proactive responses.
