Mohammed Ndarani, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says joint intelligence sharing and operations remain key to curbing insecurity in Nigeria.

Mr Ndarani, who said this in an interview with journalists  on Saturday in Abuja, was reacting to the recent rescue of 308 kidnapped victims from Kwara and Niger states.

He said that the security challenge faced in the country requires collective effort, not only from the security agencies but also from Nigerians.

“I was worried but now delighted over the rescue of the victims abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states.

“With the release, Nigerians, and not just the families of the victims, will breathe a sigh of relief, and for that, we give thanks to God Almighty.”

He commended the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and all the security agencies involved in the largest single-day rescue mission in Nigeria.

“Ribadu’s style of security approach to protecting lives and properties is one of the best in the world.

“If we must have victory against rural criminality, people in our local communities must be prepared to share information with the relevant authorities.

“If you see something, say something. Intelligence gathering is key as some of these criminals have relatives and friends who know what they are doing or are suspicious of some of their activities.

“These suspicious activities should be reported to grow efficiency and collaboration among citizens and our security agencies.”

He said the rescue had given Nigerians hope and urged security agencies to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts to prevent further attacks and abductions across the nation.

“I urge Nigerians to continue to share useful security information with the authorities to stop these criminal attacks and make our nation safer and more peaceful.

“I commend president Tinubu and the NSA for their steadfast resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable Nigerians and restore lasting peace across the nation.”

The learned silk, thereafter, called for quick and thorough prosecution and sentencing of perpetrators of these dastardly acts.

“These criminals should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to people who want to embark on such activities and as well bring justice to the victims of their actions,” Mr Ndarani said.

The rescue comes weeks after 44 pupils and teachers abducted during a school attack in Oyo State were freed after more than 50 days in captivity.

The series of abductions, including attacks in parts of north-central and southern Nigeria, has raised fresh concerns that insecurity is spreading beyond the country’s traditional conflict zones. 

(NAN)