Abuja: The North Peace and Stability Forum (NPSF) has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for rescuing 610 kidnapped victims during operations against terrorists and other criminal elements. The forum described the achievement as a major boost to national security and public confidence in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in a statement on Tuesday, the Chairman of NPSF, Aminu Daura, also commended the military for neutralising a notorious bandit kingpin in Katsina State. Daura stated that the elimination of the kingpin represented a major setback for criminal networks operating in the North-West. He highlighted that communities in the region had endured years of attacks, abductions, and disruption of livelihoods by criminal elements.
Daura emphasized that the recent successes demonstrate the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and sustained military offensives. He particularly praised the rescue of 610 kidnapped victims, describing it as a significant humanitarian achievement that had reunited hundreds of families. Additionally, he commended the rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted by criminal elements.
The forum’s chairman noted that the successful rescue operations reflected the courage, commitment, and professionalism of troops operating under challenging conditions. He acknowledged the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the service chiefs for sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.
Daura urged security agencies to sustain the momentum and intensify operations to prevent fleeing criminal elements from regrouping. He also called on Nigerians to provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that effective security required strong cooperation between communities and security forces.
Finally, Daura expressed optimism that the recent gains would encourage displaced persons to return home, revive economic activities, and strengthen public confidence in government efforts. ‘On behalf of the North Peace and Stability Forum, we congratulate the Nigerian Armed Forces on these outstanding accomplishments. The elimination of dangerous criminal elements and rescue of hundreds of innocent citizens, including NYSC members, show that the fight against insecurity is yielding positive results,’ he said.