The 187 victims abducted in Rini village of Bakura LGA, Gora village of Maradun LGA, Sabon Birni village, and Shinkafi in Shinkafi LGA in Zamfara State have been rescued by Police tactical operatives in joint operations at Tsibiri forest in Maradun LGA on Thursday.
SP Mohammed Shehu, spokesman for the command in a statement said the abducted victims were unconditionally rescued following an extensive search and rescue operation that lasted for hours after spending many weeks in captivity.
“The Police and other security agencies have been carrying out assaults on identified bandits’ locations in different parts of the state with a view to rid the state of all activities of recalcitrant bandits and other criminal elements.”
“This was also achieved following the implementation of the new security measures by the Zamfara State Government,” the statement added.
The statement further said the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, CP Ayuba N Elkanah, while handing over the rescued victims to the Representative of the governor, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, and also the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe Sardaunan Dan Isa, assured that Police and other security agencies will continue to put in their best to ensure the return of lasting peace and security in the state,
He said, the new security measures in the State have been yielding tremendous results, as it has led to the successful rescue of many abducted victims.
“These victims run into hundreds and have been reunited with their respective families. Similarly, bandits and their collaborators have been arrested, some have been charged to court while others are undergoing discreet investigation at the State CID Gusau. ” Elkanah said.
The Commissioner of Police sympathized with the victims for the suffering they passed through while in captivity and promised that the Police will redouble their commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens of Zamfara State.
The Representative of the governor while taking over the rescued victims thanked the Police and other security agencies for their resilience and hard work in the enforcement of the new security measures.
He assured them of the state government’s continuous support and encouragement to perform their duties effectively, maintained that the state government will ensure that the victims are adequately treated before being reunited with their families.
