The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, officially transferred 16 recently rescued kidnap victims to the Zamfara State government. The victims, who were abducted on April 22, 2024, from areas including Zurmi, Duran, and Gusau metropolis, were freed during two separate operations conducted on June 27, 2024, in the Shinkafi and Tsafe Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) played a crucial role in these rescue missions. According to a statement issued by Abu Michael, Head of the NCTC, the team consisted of skilled security operatives from both the NCTC and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The successful rescue included eight males and eight females.
During the handover ceremony, the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, presented the victims to Zamfara State officials. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Nakwada, led the state representatives at the event. Ribadu used the opportunity to emphasize the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to combat and eliminate kidnapping and other severe crimes throughout Nigeria.
Ribadu appealed to the public, urging all citizens and residents to support security agencies in their ongoing efforts to ensure the nation’s safety. He stressed the importance of community cooperation in achieving a more secure environment.
This handover follows the recent successful rescue of 22 abducted students and staff from the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State. This earlier operation was also coordinated by the NCTC under the leadership of Major General Adamu Laka and included the rescue of a victim from Sokoto State.