Information Minister lauds security forces for swift rescue of abducted Kaduna journalists

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, expressed heartfelt gratitude following the release of two Kaduna-based journalists who were abducted from their homes on the outskirts of Kaduna last weekend.

Abdulgafar Alabelewe, a journalist with The Nation, and AbdulRaheem Aodu from Blueprint newspaper, were taken alongside their families in a daring raid by bandits in Dahono Community, Millennium City area of Chikun Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Minister Mohammed Idris commended the security agencies for their swift action in rescuing the kidnapped victims. The journalists and their families regained their freedom on Saturday night, thanks to the coordinated efforts of security forces.

“We are most grateful for what you have done. We are aware that this is part of your ongoing effort to ensure that all kidnapped victims are rescued alive and reunited with their families,” the minister’s statement read.

Minister Idris also extended sympathy to the families of the abducted journalists and called upon Nigerians to maintain trust in President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the security agencies.

“We want to urge Nigerians to keep faith with the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies. The security agencies under the coordination of the NSA are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who have been taken into unlawful custody are freed without paying any ransom,” the statement further stated.

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The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, formally handed over the rescued victims to Minister Idris, highlighting that the successful rescue operation was the outcome of meticulous planning and collaboration among security agencies.

Abdulgafar Alabelewe, also the chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Kaduna State, expressed profound gratitude to the NSA and his team for their rapid response.

“The rescue mission which brought us out of the bush yesterday gave us hope in our country and gave us confidence to believe that the government is serious about tackling this problem of kidnapping. I never thought that within a week of our kidnap, we could get out,” Alabelewe stated.

“We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released,” he concluded.

The abduction of the journalists and their subsequent rescue underscores the ongoing security challenges faced in parts of Nigeria. However, it also highlights the proactive measures being taken by the government and security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens.

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