By Giwa Suliat Bolaji (SIWES student D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has called upon security, intelligence agencies, and various relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to assume responsibility for safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerian citizens.
Ribadu delivered this message during a briefing with service chiefs and agency heads regarding the establishment of an anti-kidnap fusion cell in Abuja.
This statement was released by Mr. Raphael Towoju of the Strategic Communications Department of NCTC-ONSA in Abuja.
Ribadu emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address the growing issue of kidnapping for ransom and related crimes plaguing the country.
He noted that the first Security and Defense Partnership dialogue between the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria, held in London in February 2022, was part of the concerted efforts by ONSA to combat kidnapping in Nigeria.
One of the key outcomes of this dialogue was the agreement to establish an Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell to mitigate kidnapping threats in the nation.
Ribadu highlighted that eight workshops have already taken place, involving personnel from relevant stakeholders working with experts from the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).
These workshops ultimately led to the formation of a multi-agency writing team tasked with contributing to the development of a National Anti-Kidnapping Strategy.
The NSA expressed gratitude to the UK and the High Commissioner for their support in Nigeria’s endeavors to address the issue of kidnapping and other crimes.
