By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Friday, handed over some rescued victims to their family and announced the arrest of five suspects responsible for the kidnap of the victims.

The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, presented the two rescued victims, Antini and Safarau to their husband, Ibrahim Ahmed, on behalf of the NSA.

He said the victims were abducted from their home at Kwanar Dangora, in Kiru Local Government Area of Kano State on July 28, by a gang of 11 armed men wielding AK-47 rifles.

According to him, the assailants forcibly abducted the two wives who were subsequently taken into the bandits’ enclave where they remained in captivity for four months.

“Following the incident, the NSA directed security and intelligence agencies to launch an intensive, coordinated operation to trace and rescue the victims.

“After sustained efforts over the past four months, the two women were successfully rescued, and five members of the gang responsible for the abduction were apprehended.

“This evening, authorities formally handed over Safarau and Altine to their husband, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed,” he said.

Laka said the leader of the apprehended suspects fled to Zamfara where the security agencies were in his trail, adding that the five suspects were in custody awaiting further action.

He assured that the intelligence and security agencies would not relent in their efforts to dismantle all criminal networks threatening the peace and security of the nation.

“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.

“We therefore call on all citizens to support our collective efforts to end this menace.

“We are also working very hard to rescue all the schoolgirls kidnapped in Niger State and by the grace of God, we will have good news for Nigerians very soon,” he added. (NAN)

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