The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has handed over two rescued kidnap victims to their family and confirmed the arrest of five suspects linked to their abduction.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, made the disclosure on Friday while the victims, Antini and Safarau, were presented to their husband, Ibrahim Ahmed, by Adamu Laka, national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre.
Laka said the women were abducted on July 28 from their home in Kwanar Dangora, Kiru LGA of Kano, by 11 armed men carrying AK-47 rifles.
He said the kidnappers took the victims to a bandits’ enclave, where they were held for four months.
Laka said the NSA ordered a coordinated rescue effort involving security and intelligence agencies immediately after the incident.
He added that the sustained operation led to the rescue of the two women and the arrest of five members of the gang responsible for the abduction.
He said the suspected gang leader escaped to Zamfara, noting that security operatives were on his trail, while the suspects were in custody and would face further action.
He assured that security agencies would continue to dismantle criminal networks across the country.
His words: “There is no hiding place for those who engage in kidnapping, banditry, or any act of terror. We assure Nigerians that the Office of the National Security Adviser, all security agencies and the Armed Forces will continue to deploy all available capabilities to safeguard lives and maintain national security.”
He urged citizens to support security efforts to end insecurity, adding that the rescue of schoolgirls abducted in Niger state was a priority, adding that “by the grace of God, we will have good news for Nigerians very soon”.
More than 315 persons, including 303 students and 12 teachers, were kidnapped from St Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger state on November 21, although about 50 have escaped.