Senate Committee lauds security agencies over rescue of kidnapped students
Federal Government did not pay ransom to secure the release of children abducted in Sokoto and Kaduna States earlier in March, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said on Monday in Abuja.
He said at the end of a Federal Executive Council meeting that President Bola Tinubu had made it clear that no ransom should be paid to bandits and kidnappers so as not to encourage them.
The minister reassured that the children had been reunited with their families safely and in good health as directed by the president.
He said that Tinubu had also challenged security agencies to ensure that abductions and kidnappings were brought to an end in Nigeria.
Idris said government was prepared to work with those ready to give advice that could end the dastardly acts, but would not spare those found complicit.
“Mr President and cabinet members are happy to note that as promised, the children were rescued and reunited with their families and no ransom was paid.
“The Federal Executive Council and Mr President are very grateful to, especially the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs and security agents who participated diligently in ensuring that this kidnapped children are reunited with their families.
“Government is determined to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. Mr President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country,’’ Idris said.
He added that Tinubu had charged cabinet members and other government functionaries to fast-tract the delivery of government’s relief programmes such as the consumer credit scheme, students loans and other social programmes.
In his remarks, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun said the president had approved the setting up of an Economic Management Team task force.
The team would work for six months on economic revitalisation programmes of the administration, he said.
Edun said Nigeria was already getting offers of Euro bond to finance government programmes, but no decision had been made on the offer. (NAN)
Senate Committee lauds security agencies over rescue of kidnapped students
The Senate Committee on Army has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of kidnapped students of LEA School Kuriga in Chukun Local Government Area of Kaduna state.
The Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
“It is with profound gratitude and admiration that we commend the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their swift and successful rescue operation.
“Their operation led to the safe return of kidnapped students of Kuriga students.
“The heroic efforts of our gallant troops, working in conjunction with local authorities and government agencies, have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
“It is heartening to note that these rescued individuals have since been conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna state government for further care and necessary actions, bringing hope and relief to their families and loved ones,” he said.
Yar’adua added: “Furthermore, we must also acknowledge the recent rescue operation in Gada Local government area of Sokoto state, where 16 Almajiris’ pupils and a woman were freed from captivity and handed over to Sokoto State Government.”
He pledged the committee’s support toward improving the welfare of Nigerian soldiers.
“The relentless dedication and sacrifices of our armed forces in the face of adversity are a testament to their unwavering commitment to our collective security and national well-being.
“We stand united in solidarity with our military and other security agencies in their noble mission to protect our beloved country and ensure a safe and secure future for all Nigerians,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
BREAKING: FG invites Gumi for questioning on bandits’ activities
The Federal Government says it has invited Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Monday while addressing journalists at the State House, Abuja.
Idris said Gumi is not above the law, noting that the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning.
