Twenty-two abducted students and staff of the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara, were on Sunday rescued. The individuals, comprising 15 students and 7 university staff members, were kidnapped from the institution in September 2023, by armed bandits.
The successful operation, coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), marked a significant triumph in the ongoing battle against mass abductions in the country.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu welcomed the abductees in a heartfelt reception on Monday in Abuja.
It was a moment of relief and gratitude as Ribadu expressed his appreciation to all involved in the rescue mission, as well as to the parents of the rescued victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal.
He lauded the relentless efforts and sacrifices of the security agencies, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
He also encouraged the rescued victims that their traumatic experience should not define them but rather serve as a testament to their strength.
He said, “On behalf of the President, I thank all those involved in the successful rescue of the victims without losing any of them or paying any ransom.This is yet again a success story in our efforts to free all those being unlawfully held in captivity.
“We have so far released over a thousand such victims without noise and with complete respect to their privacy and safety.
“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.”
Maj Gen Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of NCTC, had earlier recalled the harrowing events of that night when the assailants, armed with various weapons, stormed three off-campus student hostels in Sabon Gida, Gusau.
Looking ahead, Ribadu outlined plans to bolster law enforcement and security measures to prevent future abductions and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the nation.
“Going forward, we are strengthening law enforcement and security measures to prevent these abductions and strengthen physical security across vulnerable communities,” he said.
Melissa Enoch
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