The North Peace and Stability Forum has commended the armed forces for rescuing 610 kidnap victims during operations against terrorists and other criminal elements.

The forum described the achievement as a major boost to national security and public confidence in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, its chairman, Aminu Daura, also commended the military for neutralising a notorious bandit kingpin in Katsina.

Mr Daura said eliminating the kingpin represented a major setback for criminal networks operating in the North-West.

He said communities in the region had endured years of attacks, abductions and disruption of livelihoods by criminal elements.

According to him, the recent successes demonstrate the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and sustained military offensives.

The forum’s chairman particularly praised the rescue of 610 kidnapped victims, describing it as a significant humanitarian achievement that had reunited hundreds of families.

He also commended the rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps members abducted by criminal elements.

Mr Daura said the successful rescue operations reflected the courage, commitment and professionalism of troops operating under challenging conditions.

He acknowledged the leadership of defence chief Olufemi Oluyede and the service chiefs for sustaining pressure on terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.

The chairman urged security agencies to sustain the momentum and intensify operations to prevent fleeing criminal elements from regrouping. He also called on Nigerians to provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that effective security requires strong cooperation between communities and security forces.

Mr Daura expressed optimism that the recent gains would encourage displaced persons to return home, revive economic activities and strengthen public confidence in government efforts.

“On behalf of the North Peace and Stability Forum, we congratulate the Nigerian Armed Forces on these outstanding accomplishments. The elimination of dangerous criminal elements and rescue of hundreds of innocent citizens, including NYSC members, show that the fight against insecurity is yielding positive results,” he said.

(NAN)