The chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has commended security agencies for the safe rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another abducted person in the South-East.

Mr Marwa, in a statement by NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, on Thursday commended the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the State Security Services (SSS), among others.

He described the successful rescue operation as a victory for the nation and evidence of what coordinated, intelligence-driven security operations can achieve.

The NDLEA chair said the safe return of the victims to their families demonstrated the courage, professionalism and unity of purpose of Nigeria’s security agencies.

Mr Marwa noted that corps members represented some of the nation’s best young people, serving their fatherland with hope and idealism, stressing that the country owed them protection.

“Nigeria owes them protection, and today our gallant men and women have delivered.

“As a retired military officer serving under the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu, it is imperative for us to draw public attention to this kind of achievement by our security agencies and equally commend them,” he said.

Mr Marwa also acknowledged what he described as a series of successful rescue operations conducted by security agencies across the country in recent months.

He said the operations had led to the rescue of other victims of abduction and restored hope to many families affected by insecurity.

“Every life rescued is a triumph for our collective resolve,” Mr Marwa said.

He added that the successful operations demonstrated that criminals could not outrun a determined and united security architecture.

The NDLEA boss assured the security agencies of the continued support and cooperation of the anti-narcotics agency in the fight against criminality.

He noted that the illicit drug trade and drug abuse often contributed to violent crime, kidnapping and banditry.

“Where drugs flow, insecurity thrives. NDLEA will continue to work with sister security agencies to dismantle networks that fund and fuel criminal activities,” he said.

He urged the Nigerian Army, police, SSS and other security agencies to sustain the momentum recorded in recent rescue operations and remain committed to protecting lives and property.

The NDLEA chairman also called on Nigerians to support the security forces by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to prevent crime and rescue victims of abduction.

Mr Marwa wished the rescued prospective corps members a speedy recovery and full reunion with their families.

He reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment to working with sister agencies to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, particularly through intelligence-sharing, coordinated operations and efforts to disrupt criminal networks linked to illicit drugs.

(NAN)