Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja , Nigeria
The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, has made significant strides in addressing insecurity, particularly in the area of kidnapping. National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, announced that more than 1,000 kidnap victims have been successfully rescued without the payment of any ransom.
This commendable feat was highlighted during the reception of 22 students and staff from the Federal University of Gusau, Zamfara State, who were rescued following a harrowing abduction incident on September 22, 2023.
Truth Live News gathered that the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Mummuni, echoed the urgency for security agencies to expedite the rescue efforts, emphasizing the importance of swift action in such distressing situations. The Zamfara State Police Command, through spokesperson Yazid Abubakar, reassured the public of their commitment to rescuing all kidnapped individuals, employing additional tactical teams for comprehensive search-and-rescue missions.
Providing insight into the magnitude of the abduction, it was revealed that armed bandits, numbering around 50 and mounted on motorcycles, stormed students’ residences near the Federal University of Gusau, abducting an undisclosed number of individuals. While seven students were promptly rescued and two managed to escape, the ordeal persisted for the remaining 22 victims until their recent liberation through coordinated efforts led by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre.
Acknowledging the relentless efforts of security operatives, Ribadu expressed gratitude for the safe recovery of the students without succumbing to ransom demands or any casualties. He encouraged the rescued individuals to draw strength from their ordeal, emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.
This success story adds to previous achievements, such as the rescue of 137 students from Kaduna State in March, where again, the government affirmed its stance of not yielding to ransom demands despite the perpetrators’ exorbitant requests. Ribadu extended appreciation to the parents of the rescued victims for their unwavering patience and support throughout the ordeal, while also lauding the sacrifices made by security agencies.
Maj-Gen Adamu Laka (retd.), National Coordinator of the NCTC, provided further details on the rescue operations, highlighting the collaborative efforts of security agencies which facilitated the release of the kidnapped individuals in multiple phases. These concerted actions underscore the government’s steadfast commitment to combating insecurity and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.