ONSA hands over 16 rescued abductees to Zamfara Govt

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National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in a group with Zamfara government officials and rescued abductees

By Innocent Raphael

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has handed over of 16 abductees to officials of Zamfara State Government at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

This was disclosed in a statement by ONSA’s Head, Strategic Communications, Abi Michael.

According to the statement, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, personally handed over the victims, comprising 8 males and 8 females, who were rescued on June 27, 2024, from the Shinkafi and Tsafe Local Government Areas.

It added that they had been abducted from Zurmi, Duran, and Gusau Metropolis in Zamfara State on April 22, 2024, before being successfully rescued by a team of security operatives from the NCTC, and theOffice of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

During the handover to state officials led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, the NSA reiterated the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to eradicate kidnapping and other crimes.

He called on all Nigerians to support the security agencies’ efforts in securing the country and assured that no efforts would be spared in ensuring a safe and resilient society.

Mallam Ribadu emphasized the government’s dedication to closing ungoverned spaces that provide hiding places for criminals.

Also speaking, National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, appealed to Nigerians to report suspicious activities to security operatives promptly to enable proactive responses.

This recent rescue operation follows the successful recovery of 22 abducted students and staff of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, a few weeks ago. This operation, coordinated by the NCTC under Major General Laka, also included a victim from Sokoto State.

The handover event was attended by the State Commissioner for Project Implementation, Hon. Zurumi Nasiru, Alhaji Ibrahim Isah of the State Liaison, Abuja, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba.

In conclusion, NSA revealed that the NCTC has established a Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to monitor and track kidnappers and facilitate the rescue of abductees.