The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, says the Federal Government has rescued over 1,000 victims of verified mass abduction across the country without paying ransom.
Ribadu said on Monday in Abuja, while receiving 22 rescued students and staff of the Federal University Gusau, that the covert operations were conducted in the last few months.
“We have so far released over a thousand such victims without noise and in complete respect for their privacy and safety. We released people from Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Taraba, Adamawa, and so many other states.
“Thousands, but never said a word, and we thank God for that, and maybe that is the reason why we are so far very successful. This occasion marks a final juncture in a series of rescues we have undertaken in the last few months to free victims of recent cases of mass abductions that are verified. It is making a difference, it is a matter of time and we will see the outcome of the work we are doing,” he said.
The NSA said the victims were rescued unhurt and without any of the female abductees molested, adding that it was a marked departure from what had been the case in the past.
According to him, going forward, the government is strengthening law enforcement and security measures to prevent further abductions.
He added that the government would strengthen physical security across vulnerable communities in the country.
“This work is done by our security forces, our armed forces, our police, and our intelligence agencies. All of us collectively have done this work together and we all are fully participating and this is the outcome of it,” he said.
Ribadu commended President Bola Tinubu for working assiduously to address insecurity in the country.
According to him, his efforts have led to great improvement in recent times in taming terrorist attacks.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that those rescued were abducted from the school on Sept. 22, 2023 when bandits attacked three off-campus students’ hostels at Sabon Gida in Gusau.
Those kidnapped from the university included female students, some male artisans, a private security guard, and a protocol officer.
