The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka on Monday, officially handed over 22 abducted students and Staff of the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State, who were rescued by the nation’s security forces on Sunday 14 April, 2024, to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
It could be recalled that on 22 Sep 2023, bandits armed with various weapons attacked 3 of the off-campus hostels of the students at Sabon Gida in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State and kidnapped a number of students, including some artisans, a private security guard and a protocol officer of the University.
The NSA thanked all those involved in the successful rescue operations without the loss of any of the abductees, noting that no ransom was paid. He assured that Nigerians would continue to see the dividends of many of such silent achievements of the present administration as he disclosed further that over a thousand victims have so far been rescued without noise, in complete respect for their privacy and safety.
According to him, “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. Going forward, we are strengthening law enforcement and security measures to prevent these abductions, and strengthen physical security across vulnerable communities.“
Mallam Ribadu who thanked security and enforcement agencies for their tireless work and sacrifices, expressed gratitude to Mr. President for his leadership and encouragement that brought about the successes recorded.
The NSA congratulated the victims for their safe return, charging them to consider their experience as a trial which should not break them, but to make them stronger. He also thanked their parents for their patience and understanding during the period of their abduction.
Earlier, the National Coordinator, NCTC, General Laka lauded the search and rescue efforts of the combined team of law enforcement agencies which led to the release of the abductees. He said the abductees were rescued in 3 batches after 207 days in captivity. According to the National Coordinator, the first batch was rescued on 15 March, the second batch on 12 April and last, on 14 Apr 2024.
Similarly, on behalf of the people and Government of Zamfara State, Ibrahim Musa Anka who represented the State Governor at the event, thanked the NSA and all the security forces for their efforts at freeing the victims and also for ensuring an improved security particularly at the North West region of the country.
One of the rescued victims, Miss Hafsat Ibrahim who spoke on behalf of the rescued victims, thanked the Federal Government for their safe release.
