NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

Fake native doctors deceiving Anambra youths into crime – Metchie

157 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Dr John Metchie, Traditional Prime Minister, Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), says that fake native doctors in the state have deceived many youths into various heinous crimes.

Metchie, who is the Deputy Commander-General of Nigeria Forest Security Service, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

He commended Gov. Charles Soludo for his efforts towards saving the youths from decadence occasioned by get rich quick syndrome.

He said what the level of societal decay in Anambra would have degenerated if Soludo had not intervened when he did.

Metchie lamented the case of drug trafficking involving 23 Anambra indigenes, who had already been convicted and on death row in Indonesia.

According to him, the governor, addressing this issue recently, attributed the problem to the activities of fake native doctors, whom his government has outlawed.

“Soludo raised alarm over the rising number of young indigenes of the state falling victims of drug trafficking scams.

“The Governor heaped the blame on deceptive native doctors, who misled these youths with false promises of supernatural protection.

“Governor Soludo’s mandate needs to be renewed for another four year-term to enable him consolidate on the current reforms.

“Soludo has demonstrated both capacity and competence in reformation and physical development for better positioning of Anambra and our people in Nigeria and internationally,” he said.

Metchie said that the determination of the governor to protect the moral and social fabric of Anambra could best be described as overwhelming, adding that those destroying the society did not see the cleansing waves.

According to him, Soludo had revealed that the 23 Anambra indigenes on death row in Indonesia for drug-related offences were manipulated by self-proclaimed native doctors.

He quoted Soludo as saying that the native doctors sold to the affected youths the dangerous belief that charms could render airport security systems ineffective.

“The governor has condemned the surge in get rich quick approach to life and fetish practices, particularly the rise of “oke ite” (money ritual) peddlers who promote the illusion of instant wealth without hard work.

“He warned that anyone caught making false spiritual claims or promoting illicit wealth schemes would be arrested.

“The governor has drawn a clear line between genuine traditional worship and fraudulent practices, noting that traditionalists of old were among the most upright who believed the gods would punish wrongdoing,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Defence/Security

Niger Govt. receives 17 kidnapped victims rescued by police

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger Government has received 17 kidnapped victims handed over to the government by the police command in the state.

Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Yakubu Garba, received the victims on behalf of Gov. Umaru Bago at the police headquarters in Minna on Friday.

He disclosed that the victims were rescued by operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Garba said the victims were from Wuloto and Kango Communities under Kuchi Ward in Muyan Local Government of Niger.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his efforts at reducing insecurity in the country and the National Security Adviser for coordinating security efforts.

He also appreciated the Kaduna State Government and the police for their humanitarian efforts in assessing the victims’ psychological health before handing them over.

He said that the incident highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, as the victims were rescued in Kaduna and returned to Niger State.

Garba urged the police to intensify efforts to combat insecurity and encouraged citizens to support Gov. Bago in prayers.

“The success of Bago-led administration is a blessing to the people.

“Within two years, insecurity and youth restiveness have reduced in the state and the governor needs our prayers and support to succeed.

“We appeal to parents and relatives of the victims to be patient and not rush to take them away.

“Their lives and health condition must be ascertained before handing them over to their parents,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Adamu Elleman, the newly appointed Police Commissioner in Niger, noted that the victims were 11 females and six males, from Wuloto Village in Kuchi, Sarkin-Pawa, Munya LGA.

He attributed the successful rescue to a non-kinetic method showcasing the police’s strategic approach to combating crime.

Elleman pledged to rid the state of criminal elements and vowed to intensify efforts to eliminate crime in the state through constant patrols, stop-and-search operations, and arrests.

He assured that criminals would face justice, adding that, “I will not relent; I will ensure they are brought to book.”

One of the victims, Victoria Ishaya, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 15 of them were kidnapped from one household.

“We were kidnapped about six months ago; our abductors came in the midnight took us and crossed the river with us to one place in Kaduna,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yetunde Fatungase/Joe Idika

Defence/Security

Yobe Govt. to reintegrate ex-Boko Haram members – Gov. Buni

211 total views today
By Ahmed Abba
The Yobe Government has announced its readiness to reintegrate ex-members of Boko Haram who have undergone the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC).
Gov. Mai Mala Buni made this known in Damaturu when he received the delegation of OPSC led by Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Buni, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idi Gubana, described the visit as an opportunity for strategic engagement and collaboration between the state and security forces.
He lamented how the over 15-year insurgency had consumed thousands of lives in Yobe, destroyed public and private properties and displaced many households.
The governor said the state government had recognised that not all members of the terrorist group joined willingly, saying a non-kinetic approach offered a chance to salvage and reintegrate those who show remorse.
“We shared the belief that some individuals were conscripted into the insurgency through force or indoctrination.
“With sustained efforts, they can repent, rehabilitate and return to normal life as responsible citizens,” Buni said.
The governor said 390 repentant insurgents including 54 indigenes of Yobe would be graduating from the DRR programme between April 14 and 19.
He said the state had put mechanisms in place through its Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to ensure effective reintegration.
“I wish to assure Operation Safe Corridor that the state government is committed to adopting and implementing your recommendations with a view to achieving the desired objectives,” Buni said.
The governor, however, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his “unshakable commitment to ending insurgency and major crimes through a multifaceted approach.”
Earlier, the CDS said the OPSC had developed a robust filtering system to ensure only genuine repentant and non-hardcore elements were reintegrated.
He said some individuals were abducted, radicalised against their will and forced to join insurgent groups, adding that the DRR programme had transformed the victims’ lives.
“Safe Corridor is not about revenge; it is about peace and reconciliation,” Musa, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali said.
The CDS, who is also the Chairman of National Steering Committee Operations Safe Corridor, said “many of those we screen are victims themselves.
“We have seen their remorse and willingness to change.”
The CDS also stressed the need for community involvement to sustain the reintegration process, noting that de-radicalisation was a continuous process that must be supported at the community level.
Musa also appealed to the state government to support the expansion of de-radicalisation centres, vocational training facilities, and provision of modern equipment to make rehabilitation more impactful.
“With your support, those who observe the positive changes in the lives of ex-members will be encouraged to surrender willingly,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed
Defence/Security

NGO, correctional services, collaborate to advance implementation of Non-Custodial measures

239 total views today

 

 

By Abiodun Abegunde

 

Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), on Thursday in Lagos, commenced a two-day training for officers of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS).

 

The training with funding from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC ) is with the theme: “Strengthening the Capacity of Correctional Officers Towards Advancing the Implementation of Non-Custodial Measures”.

 

Speaking at the opening of the training, Dr Uju Agomoh, President, PRAWA,  said the focus of the NGO was on issues bordering on justice sector reforms, adding that the organisation had done quite a lot around correctional services.

 

She said that the training would look at challenges such as over crowding in custodian centres  among other problems.

 

She noted that participants of the training were officers from the correctional services, working in the community sector called non-custodial.

 

“The Nigerian Correctional Services should encourage every step they need to take to ensure they give support to the non custodial directorate as a unit of the NCoS.

 

In her remarks, Ijimakinwa Ajibola, State Project Coordinator, RoLAC, Lagos, said that during the first phase of the programme which ended in 2023, the organisation supported PRAWA to implement non custodial solutions in the NCoS.

 

Ijimakinwa said that this second round of funding to PRAWA, was about advancing the implementation.

 

“As we know, community service has been entrenched  in most of our states, there are still some other measures and solutions that have yet to be advanced like parole, suspended sentencing, restorative justice and probation.

 

“The essence of the support is to ensure that other non custodial measures are implemented in all our focal states which are Anambra, Edo, Pleatue, Abia, and Lagos.

 

“PRAWA has been a CSO on ground that has done the ground work as per ensuring that the Act was passed in 2019, so of course it is important that they are part of the implementation process” she said.

 

Similarly, the state Controller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos Command, George Daramola, said in 2019, NCoS was restructured into two distinct entities; Custodial and Non-Custodial Services.

 

Daramola said that the establishment of Non-Custodial service was a strategic decision aimed at decongesting custodial centers while ensuring that offenders receive appropriate interventions to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

 

He said that NCoS was particularly happy about enhancing the understanding of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019 and exploring effective ways to incorporate non-custodial measures into the nation’s justice system.

 

He added that the focal points of the training; community service, restorative justice, parole, probation and other non-custodial solutions were integral to the ongoing reform efforts within correctional framework.

 

The controller said that critical discussion surrounding the reduction of overcrowding, as well as the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders were of paramount important to NCS.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

 

Edited by Deborah Coker

Defence/Security

Minister wants collective action to empower young women

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Thursday called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to empower young women and advance national development.

 

Sulaiman-Ibrahim made the call in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a three-day royal ambassadors gathering week 2025 with the theme, “Building Global Partnership for sustainable impacts, Innovations and development.”

 

The minister, who was represented by a  Director in the Ministry , Dr Mrs Ola Erinfolami, emphasised that empowering young women remained critical to the nation’s growth and progress.

 

She acknowledged the ministry’s achievements in promoting gender equality, development and peace, noting that more work must be done to close existing gaps.

 

“Young women continue to face challenges in education, economic opportunities, healthcare and leadership.

 

“It is our responsibility to address these disparities and create an enabling environment for women to thrive,” she said.

 

The minister, however, outlined four key areas of focus in the ministry’s agenda to include access to quality education and skills training, supporting entrepreneurship and job creation.

 

This, she also said, includes ensuring healthcare access, promoting well-being and encouraging women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

 

She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting policies and programmes that empowered young women, adding that collaboration with stakeholders remained vital.

 

“I urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort. Let’s work together to empower more young women and create a brighter future for our nation,” she added.

 

In his opening remarks, the Founder and Director-General of the Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF), Jonathan Okwudiri, called for stronger global partnerships to drive sustainable development and innovation in Nigeria.

 

Okwudiri, who doubled as the convener of the event stressed that unity, collaboration and collective action were crucial in achieving national progress.

 

He said that in a world where challenges like poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and social inequality threatened the collective future, the need for action had never been greater.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the RAFEF, Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF), and Young Women Rise Empowerment Initiative (YWREI) are the three NGOs working to reshape the society.

 

These are done through strategic empowerment, economic development and social transformation.

 

The groups are also dedicated to poverty eradication (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and zero hunger (SDG 2).

 

Okwudiri, who oversees a network of over one million women and youths across the 36 states and the FCT, said that the NGO was a formidable force dedicated to nation-building through empowerment, agriculture, and youth development.

 

He announced the launch of major initiatives under the GRFFNF, including Operation Feed the Nation, inaugurated in December 2024, and the Green Rewards Smart Farm Settlement (GRSFS), aimed at providing employment opportunities for one million Nigerians.

 

He said that the group’s Agricultural Farming Project Fund and Empowerment Scheme would provide financial grants to farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

 

“This gathering is a testament to the power of collaboration. As Royal Ambassadors, we are determined to work with visionary partners to create lasting impacts,” he said.

 

Okwudiri also highlighted the achievements of the RAFEF in training over 1,000 women and youths in entrepreneurial skills, seeking partnerships and support to enable the trainees to start their businesses.

 

He reiterated the organisation’s readiness to align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration policy, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focused on promoting agricultural development, food security, and job creation.

 

“As nation-builders, we support any leader who prioritises the empowerment of women and youth. Together, we can shape the future of our country,” Okwudiri said.

 

Okwudiri commended the Board of Trustees, management teams, and the media for their contributions to the growth of the organisations and urged participants to use the gathering to connect, learn, and collaborate.

 

“We are not just here to celebrate; we are here to build. Let us rise to the challenge and create the future we envision,” he said.

 

The event also features the inauguration of the National and State Executive Officers of the Young Women Rise Empowerment and Support Initiative (YWRESI) and the crowning of Miss Global Royalty Africa 2025.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Yakubu Uba

Defence/Security

Pakistani defence chief hails Nigerian military over counter-insurgency campaign

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chairman of Pakistani Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Gen. Shahir Mirza, has commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for its efforts in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of insecurity.

Mirza gave the commendation during a visit to his Nigerian counterpart, Gen. Christopher Musa at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The Pakistani Chief also appreciated the long-standing mutual relationship between Nigeria and Pakistan, adding that both countries shared similarity in culture, religion and other diversity.

He also described Nigeria as a giant leader in Africa, with a geo-strategic importance to Pakistan.

Mirza maintained that both countries shared similar experiences in fighting terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of insecurity.

He said that the Pakistani military looked forward to a robust partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

In his response, Nigeria’s defence chief, Gen. Musa thanked the Pakistani defence chief for the visit and assured him that the Nigerian military would continue to build capacity in collaboration with the Pakistani Armed Forces.

The CDS emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration between the two countries in the areas of training, particularly, Special Forces Training, management of Veteran Affairs, border security and intelligence sharing among others.

According to him, these collaborative efforts have so far ensured the training of over two thousand officers in various Pakistani military institutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Defence/Security

Senate hails FRSC’s growth, innovation

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By Ibironke Ariyo

The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Diket Plang, has commended the FRSC for its innovation, infrastructure, and staff welfare.

During the inauguration of new facilities at FRSC headquarters on Thursday in Abuja, Plang expressed satisfaction with the Corps’ ongoing transformation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facilities inaugurated include an ICT hall, fourth-floor lobby, data collection centre, reception, and call centres.

Sen. Diket Plang with the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed and the Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission, Dr Muheeba Dankaba

Plang said he had visited the Corps on several occasions and was consistently impressed by its rapid development and achievements.

He recalled that the ICT training centre was once only a proposal and praised management for making it a reality.

He described the newly inaugurated ICT hall as “unprecedented” in both quality and execution.

“I’ve visited at different times, and I’m always amazed by the pace of change,” the Senator said.

Plang also highlighted the new digital gate and operational efficiency of FRSC Radio 107.1 FM as key achievements.

He praised the station’s clear signal, strong reception, and the professionalism of staff who transitioned from safety officers to broadcasters.

“I see teamwork, dedication, and joy. It clearly reflects inclusive leadership, innovation, and progress,” he emphasised.

Speaking on behalf of the 10th Senate, Plang commended the FRSC leadership, management, and staff for their commitment and service.

He stressed the vital role land transportation plays in Nigeria’s economy as the most widely used mode of travel.

“There are no roads in the sky. Most goods and people move on land.

“Our economy depends greatly on moving goods efficiently across the country,” Plang noted.

He described the Corps’ digital transformation as timely, especially in enhancing public education through ICT and radio.

Plang pledged the Senate’s continued legislative and financial support to help the FRSC fulfil its mandates effectively.

On staff welfare, he stressed that leadership must go beyond paying salaries to investing in staff development and training.

“Knowledge is power. If we work together and share ideas, Nigeria will progress,” he maintained.

Plang praised President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of the new minimum wage, calling it a welcome development.

He, however, said leaders must also create friendly and accessible work environments for better productivity.

“Accessible leadership boosts morale. Let’s foster environments where feedback is valued and appreciation is shown,” he added.

He advised that outstanding staff should be rewarded not just with money, but also with commendation letters and awards.

He urged FRSC leadership to continue recognising hardworking staff and sector commanders across the country.

“Even a written commendation lasts longer than spoken praise. It inspires and motivates more effort,” he said.

Earlier, FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, reiterated the Corps’ support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

Mohammed thanked the President for the opportunity to serve and contribute to national growth and development.

“Our first step is to provide a conducive environment to motivate and enhance staff productivity,” he stated.

He listed completed and ongoing projects, showing FRSC’s commitment to development and staff welfare.

He noted the completion of Kaduna Zonal Command and ongoing works in Benue, Osogbo, and Yobe sectors.

“These projects will be commissioned as soon as they’re completed,” he assured.

Mohammed said the goal is to make a strong first impression that reflects professionalism and dedication.

He thanked stakeholders for their support and pledged the FRSC would maintain its focus on delivering excellent service. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Defence/Security

Stop politicising security challenges – Group tells Nigerians

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Peace, Security and Development Initiatives (PSDI), a Civil Society Organisations, has urged Nigerians to stop politicising the prevailing security challenges bedeviling the country.

The Publicity Secretary of PSDI, Amechi Oyema, made the call while briefing newsmen on the State of the nation with the theme “Unholy Attempt to Politicise Security Challenges”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oyema said that President Bola Tinubu had continued to provide the needed support to the Armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to be able to deliver on their mandates.

He alleged that some politicians had decided to politicise the security challenges, adding that they would want the crisis to persist and go out of hand.

“Just recently, when 16 Kano-bound hunters were lynched in Uromi, a prominent politician condemned the killings, and demanded probe.

“Fast-forward to the massacre of 60 Plateau villagers, the same politician immediately faulted Tinubu’s security architecture, as if Uromi had a specially designed security architecture.

“Another attempt to politicise the security challenges is the recent divine intervention that led to the rescue of the former Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), retired Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga.

“Rather than appreciating God and the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the rescue, some have decided to give a different narrative aimed at portraying the government and the Armed Forces of Nigeria as a failure.

“This set of politicians have refused to see anything good in the present administration, hence they will turn their face from the several laudable efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

Oyema urged politicians to stop demoralising the troops who are making sacrifices to keep the country safe.

According to him, some of them would rather see the country in flames so they can have an avenue to attack the administration.

He called on politicians to show statesmanship in their approach and support the armed forces to defeat the enemies of the country.

According to him, terrorists, bandits and other criminals are surrendering in droves while some stubborn ones are being killed.

“We use this opportunity to advise especially our youths to shun all negative vices and this set of politicians who have their children abroad but would always want to use innocent youths at home to foment trouble.

“Be aware that the military is equal to the task and you won’t go scot free if you allow desperate politicians to use you.

“We want to quote Brig.-Gen. Tsiga who said, “we should not sit down and believe that the government can do it alone. We must do it ourselves,” Oyema added. (NAN) 

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Defence/Security

Speaker, minister hail military, police officers’ wives on contribution to education

170 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Speaker House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, have commended the wives of military and police officers for their commitment to promoting quality education in the country.

They gave the commendation during the Groundbreaking and Fundraising Ceremony of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) College, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The speaker, who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, said there could be no better way to contribute to build the future of a teaming young Nigerians than investing in education.

He commended the leadership of DEPOWA for considering education as a priority and resolve to channel their energy towards building a school for the children of officers and personnel of the defence sector.

Abbas said it was also gratifying to note that efforts were geared towards supporting the children whose parents had dedicated their lives to the security of lives and property of the citizens.

According to him, providing access to good education is a legacy that endures for life.

“Today, DEPOWA has started a journey that will change and transform the lives of so many children.

“It is easy for those watching this ceremony to interrogate the project on the proposition that there are so many schools out there. So, why should DEPOWA embark on building new schools?

“The statistics of children in Nigeria age between five to 14 not registered in school are about 10.5 million.

“This indicates that the number of schools available to Nigerian children is still far less than the number required to go to school, including the children of the personnel of the security agencies.

“The school as proposed by DEPOWA is very elaborate and comprehensive. It is exciting that the designers have made provision for facilities that will enhance the total development of children in this school,” he said.

The speaker said the vision behind the development of the school underscored the goals of the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives.

This, according to him, captures the need for access to education for the Nigerian child.

“We hold a view in the house that education is a priority, and we fully support this school project by DEPOWA,” he said.

The Minister of Defence, Badaru said the initiative embodies the unwavering commitment of the military and police families to nation-building.

He commended the association for its visionary leadership in championing the noble cause, adding that the college would serve as the beacon of hope, excellence, and opportunity for the children of the brave service members.

The minister said the college would alleviate educational burden while fostering academic excellence and moral integrity among students.

He called on all stakeholders, government agencies, corporate organisations, and public individuals to contribute generously to the project.

“A well-educated generation, nurtured in an environment of discipline and patriotism, is critical to sustaining peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria.

“The Ministry of Defence stands in solidarity with the power and pledges full support to ensure the timely completion of this project,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Defence/Security

NSA hands over 60 rescued kidnaped victims, warns against ransom payment

170 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has again handed over 60 kidnapped victims rescued by security agencies to their families and warned against ransom payment to kidnappers.

Ribadu said that paying ransom to kidnappers would only encourage them to continue in the crime, adding that it was also counterproductive.

He disclosed that even after ransom was paid by the families of many of the rescued victims, the kidnappers were still not ready to release the victims.

“Once again, we are here to do what we have done a couple of times already, that is, to handover rescued victims of kidnap and banditry to their families.

“Evil people turn our lives upside down. They are the victims. Many of them have been with them for a couple of months, but we thank God.

“Today, we are releasing 60, and hopefully that will be the final one from that part of Nigeria. Last week, we did about 50.

“I want to once again use the opportunity to thank our armed forces, our security forces, and indeed, the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who is working daily to restore order, security, and stability.

“Daily, we are getting freedom back to our own people. We will continue to do so. We will not relent and we will not stop,” he said.

Ribadu assured that the military and security agencies would go after the criminals, adding that releasing the victims was not the end of the story.

According to him, we will make sure that justice is done. Anybody who is involved will never see peace.

“But I want to also use this opportunity to talk to our people to please, stop giving money to these people. It is one of the worst things that is happening.

“The families of many of these people, as you see them, gave monies to their abductors, but it did not lead to their release. It is we, the security forces, that still rescued them.

“I want to make a very strong appeal to all, it is understandable that when your person is in captivity, you will do whatever it takes for you to get him back. But this is counterproductive,” he said.

Earlier, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the 60 victims were rescued on Monday at about 1200hrs, by the 1 Division Nigerian Army troops supported by other security and intelligence agencies.

Laka said the victims were rescued mostly from Lere, Zangon Katar and Kagarko Local Government Areas of Kaduna State and FCT Abuja.

He said that the victims comprised of 35 males and 25 females, including a Deputy Director, from the National Assembly Commission, Adesanya Michael, kidnapped from Kubwa, FCT and Ishaya Kuka, a brother to Bishop Mathew Kukah.

According to him, they were kidnapped from their houses and farms within the above-mentioned locations.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits under the command of notorious bandit leaders, YELLOW ONE MILLION, YELLOW MAIDUNA, SHEHU REKEB and FARIN YELLOW.

“The victims were subjected to various inhumane treatments while at the camps.

“Subsequently, upon receiving the victims, ONSA provided them with all the necessary first aid assistance required to stabilise them for subsequent handing over to 1 Division for rehabilitation,” he said.

One of the rescued victims, Mr Adesanya Michael, thanked the security forces for ensuring their safe release from the kidnappers, whom he described as heartless.

He said their abductors treated them like animals without human feelings. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

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