The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called on all security, intelligence, and relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to take responsibility for safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians. Ribadu made this call during a briefing with service chiefs and heads of agencies regarding the establishment of the proposed anti-kidnap fusion cell in Abuja.
Represented by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), retired Rear Adm. Yaminu Musa, Ribadu emphasized the need for all stakeholders to collaborate and find a comprehensive solution to combat the menace of kidnapping for ransom and other related crimes in the country.
The initiative to establish an Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell arose from the first Security and Defense Partnership dialogue between the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria held in London in February 2022. Ribadu highlighted that eight workshops have taken place, involving personnel from relevant stakeholders and experts from the UK National Crime Agency (NCA). These workshops contributed to the development of a National Anti-Kidnapping Strategy.
The NSA expressed gratitude to the UK for its support in Nigeria’s efforts to address kidnapping and other crimes. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, stressed the importance of government ensuring the security of its citizens, particularly in addressing the trauma caused by kidnapping. Montgomery reiterated the UK Government’s commitment to the full implementation of the Security/Defense partnership between the two nations.
