Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies for the successful release of victims abducted from communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
In a statement issued Monday, the minister said the rescue of the victims brought relief to families and communities that had endured weeks of anxiety after armed criminals kidnapped residents from Woro, Konkonso, Pissa and Kasuwan Daji.
Abdullahi described the operation as a demonstration of effective collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and local communities in tackling insecurity.
He said the affected communities, though located in two different states, share deep historical, cultural and economic ties, making the ordeal a painful experience for people across the border communities.
“With sincere gratitude to Almighty Allah, I heartily express my profound appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Honourable Ministers of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, other Service Chiefs and security agencies of Nigeria for their swift and decisive efforts that led to the safe release of our kidnapped sons, daughters and elders,” he said.
According to the minister, the coordinated efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local vigilante groups, with the support of the Presidency and the governments of Niger and Kwara states, ensured that the victims were reunited with their families.
He reserved special appreciation for President Tinubu, whom he credited with providing leadership and direction during the rescue efforts.
“Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, thank you for your personal and fatherly concern, directive to security agencies, and commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind. Your ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda is being felt in our rural communities,” Abdullahi stated.
The minister also commended Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what he described as their prompt intervention and logistical support to security operations.
He said both governors maintained close engagement with community leaders in Borgu and other border communities throughout the period of the crisis.
Abdullahi equally praised the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and security personnel involved in the operation.
“The Honourable Ministers of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and all Security Personnel deserve commendation for your bravery, professionalism and sacrifices in the bush, often at great risk to your own lives, to secure the release of our people without further harm,” he said.
He noted that the successful operation had restored confidence among residents and demonstrated that criminals could be defeated through sustained cooperation between government, security agencies and local communities.
The minister also welcomed recent security initiatives approved by the Federal Government to strengthen safety in the region.
According to him, the establishment of the new 29 Brigade in Kainji–New Bussa under the 9 Division, Ilorin, which covers Kwara and Niger states, would enhance security coordination and improve responses to emerging threats.
He further expressed appreciation for Operation Savannah Shield, saying the initiative was designed to deny criminal groups access to the forests and other spaces they had exploited.
“We are truly grateful,” he added.
Abdullahi also thanked traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents who offered prayers and supported affected families throughout the period of uncertainty.
He pledged that communities in Kaiama, Borgu and neighbouring areas would continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and security.
The minister prayed for God’s continued protection over President Tinubu, the governors and members of the nation’s security forces, while expressing optimism that the renewed security measures would further improve safety across the region.
