The US government, along with several other foreign nations, has reached out to Nigeria, offering support in addressing the issue of kidnappings and other serious crimes, according to a statement from the Federal Government. Mohammed Idris Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, revealed this information during a press briefing at the State House in Abuja. The briefing took place following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which was chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As per the minister, the president has once again emphasized that it is imperative for security agencies to guarantee the safe reunion of all individuals who have been victims of kidnapping. The number of Kidnapping cases, particularly in the Northern region, has increased significantly over the past few weeks. On March 7, 2024, a total of 287 students were taken from the primary school under the supervision of the Local Education Authority (LEA) in Kuriga, located in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna.
Rescue efforts for the abducted individuals are currently underway.
A group of suspected terrorists launched an attack on the Buda community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna on March 11, 2024, resulting in the abduction of at least 61 individuals. In Sokoto, 16 students studying the Qur’an were also taken captive by bandits. According to reports, a group of women were allegedly taken from a camp for internally displaced people in Borno State. In Idris’ view, President Tinubu made it clear that paying a Ransom was out of the question.
Also, the minister acknowledged that other countries have also stepped forward to offer their assistance, not just the United States. Nigeria has received offers of support from various other nations as well. The Minister is unable to provide specific details at this time about the government’s review of the offers. The government’s decision will be announced once a final position has been determined. The minister stated that rescue efforts for the abducted individuals are currently underway, with Security Agencies aiming to bring them to safety at the earliest opportunity.
FG is not providing any financial compensation to anyone.
He stated that the President has once again emphasized the importance of Security agencies and the Ministry of Defence working together to ensure the safe return of the abducted children to their homes. Security agencies are tirelessly working on ensuring safety and protection at all hours. There is hope on the horizon for the children and individuals who have been kidnapped by criminals. They will soon be rescued and returned to safety. The President has made it clear that the government will not be giving in to any demands for ransom from these criminal groups.
It is crucial that this information is made available to the public, the minister added. It is crucial to emphasize that the government is not providing any financial compensation to anyone. There is hope within the government that the abducted children and individuals will be safely reunited with their families in the near future. In Nigeria during the early 21st century, the issue of kidnapping has become a prevalent concern. The act of kidnapping, often carried out by bandits and insurgents, stands out as one of the primary examples of organized crime or gang activity in the country, posing a significant threat to national security.
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Boko Haram, a jihadist terror group, initiated its spate of kidnappings in Nigeria’s northeast and northwest in 2009, coinciding with the escalating conflicts in the area. Boko Haram, an Islamist terrorist group, has been carrying out abductions with the purpose of advancing their goals, increasing their membership, spreading fear, gaining global recognition, and pressuring the government into negotiations for ransom, a key source of funding for their terrorist activities. One of their notable atrocities includes the mass abductions of students.