The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the governors of Niger and Kwara states, for their roles in securing the release of residents abducted from communities in the two states.
Abdullahi, who is also the Baraden Borgu, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for their swift interventions following the abduction of residents in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The minister made the commendation in a statement issued on Sunday following the safe release of the victims abducted from Woro, Konkonso, Pisa and Kasuwan Daji communities.
He said the abductions had plunged the affected communities into “grief and fear,” noting that the areas share strong cultural, social and economic ties.
“Today, we are filled with joy and relief as, through the coordinated efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and local vigilante groups under the directive and support of the Presidency and the Niger and Kwara State Governments, our people have been reunited with their families,” Abdullahi said.
The minister specifically thanked President Tinubu for his “personal and fatherly concern” and for directing security agencies to secure the release of the victims.
According to him, the President’s intervention demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that “no Nigerian is left behind,” adding that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was being felt in rural communities.
Abdullahi also commended Governors Bago and Abdulrazaq for their prompt interventions, logistical support for security operations and engagement with community leaders in Borgu and neighbouring border communities.
He praised the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and other security personnel for their “bravery, professionalism, and sacrifices” during the operation.
The minister said the safe return of the victims demonstrated the importance of cooperation among government authorities, security agencies and local communities in combating criminality.
“Your efforts have restored hope, peace, and confidence among our people,” he said.
Abdullahi further disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the establishment of a new 29 Brigade in Kainji-New Bussa under the 9 Division, Ilorin, to strengthen security operations across Kwara and Niger states.
He said the new brigade would consolidate security operations in the strategic area and enhance the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to emerging threats.
The minister also expressed appreciation for Operation Savannah Shield, which he said was designed to cover areas being exploited by criminal elements.
He thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents for their prayers and support during the period of the abductions.
Abdullahi pledged that the affected communities would continue to cooperate with the government and security agencies by providing timely information and supporting initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace and security in Kaiama, Borgu and neighbouring border communities.
He prayed for continued protection for Nigeria, the President, state governors and security personnel working to safeguard communities across the country.