The Federal Government said the United States and some other foreign countries have offered to assist Nigeria in combating kidnapping and other high-profile crimes.
Speaking with the media at the State House in Abuja following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris revealed this.
Increasing Security Challenge Raises Concern
Jerrymusa.com reports that the minister claimed that the president restated his order requiring security services to guarantee the safe return of every victim of kidnapping.
Kidnapping incidents have increased recently, particularly in the North.
287 students were taken from the Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna, Local Education Authority (LEA) primary school on Thursday.
When suspected terrorists stormed the Buda hamlet in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna, on Monday, no fewer than 61 people were taken hostage.
In Sokoto, 16 Qur’anic students were abducted by bandits as well.
There have been reports of women being abducted from their Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) camp in Borno.
Idris stated that President Tinubu was adamant that no ransom would be given.
The minister stated: “We are aware that other countries have also provided assistance.
“Other nations have also expressed interest in helping Nigeria.”
“However, we can assure you that the government is currently examining these proposals and will communicate its stance soon.”
The minister said that security services are attempting to free individuals who have been kidnapped as quickly as possible.
The President reaffirmed his order to security services and the Ministry of Defence to make sure that our children are returned home safely.
“The security services are operational 24/7.
“These kids and individuals who were taken hostage by criminal groups will return to safety very soon.”
Additionally, the president has ordered that none of these criminal elements would get a ransom payment from the government.
“I believe this information must be shared.
“Therefore, it’s crucial to emphasise that no one is receiving any compensation from the government.
“The administration is hopeful that the kidnapped individuals, including the children, will be safely returned to their families.”