In a profound declaration of the Federal Government’s relentless dedication to citizen safety, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu revealed that more than 1,000 victims of verified mass abductions nationwide have been rescued without succumbing to ransom demands.
Ribadu made this revelation on Monday in Abuja while welcoming 22 rescued students and staff from the Federal University Gusau. He underscored that these covert operations, executed over the past few months, reflect the government’s steadfast commitment to freeing unlawfully detained individuals.
Highlighting the discreet nature of these rescue missions, Ribadu emphasized the government’s unwavering focus on ensuring the privacy and safety of the rescued individuals. He expressed gratitude for the successful outcomes, noting that the government has quietly released victims from various states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Taraba, and Adamawa.
“These covert operations have been conducted with utmost discretion, without any public announcements. Our approach has been silent but effective, reflecting our commitment to preserving the dignity and security of those rescued,” Ribadu remarked.
The NSA elaborated that the rescued victims were unharmed, with no instances of female abductees being molested—an encouraging departure from past abductions. Looking ahead, Ribadu affirmed the government’s resolve to strengthen law enforcement and security measures to forestall future abductions. Additionally, measures to bolster physical security in vulnerable communities nationwide are underway to mitigate the risk of such incidents.
“Our concerted efforts involve the collective work of our security forces, armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies. The successful outcome of these operations is a proof of our unified commitment to safeguarding the lives and freedoms of our citizens,” Ribadu affirmed.
Commending the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for his proactive approach to addressing insecurity, Ribadu highlighted significant improvements in curbing terrorist attacks in recent times—an outcome attributed to concerted governmental efforts and strategic interventions.
The rescue of the 22 individuals from the Federal University Gusau, abducted during a bandit attack on September 22, 2023, serves as a poignant reminder of the government’s resolute stance against criminal activities threatening peace and stability.
The Federal Government’s steadfast efforts in liberating over 1,000 abductees without yielding to ransom demands underscore its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Through coordinated rescue operations and strengthened security measures, the government continues to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring a secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
