Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, on Friday in Gusau, said security forces have rescued no fewer than 544 abducted persons in the last two months in the state.

Mr Matawalle made the disclosure while addressing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who attended the swearing-in ceremony of 21 political appointees, at the Government House.

Mr Matawalle said among those rescued were women, children, the aged, two students of Federal Government College Birnin Yauri in Kebbi, 18 students of College of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Bakura and 75 students of Government Day Secondary School, Kaya, in Maradum LGA.

He noted that the recent mobile communication shutdown allowed security personnel to record tremendous successes in the fight against banditry, including the rescue of the abducted persons.

According to him, the security forces, during the period, also made a series of arrests of suspected bandits and their collaborators.

He added that large quantities of alcoholic drinks and hard drugs meant for bandits were seized within the period.

The governor pledged that the war against bandits and other criminals will continue until the state is made safe for investments.

Mr Matawalle commended the security forces for dislodging bandits from their hideouts and arresting many informants.

The governor also applauded members of the public for their patience and support to security operatives.

Meanwhile, the governor has urged the new appointees to bring their wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The 21 political appointees included two commissioners, 10 Special Advisers, eight Permanent Secretaries and the state Auditor-General.

Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Muktar Ahmad-Darma, a commissioner, thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointment.

He assured that they would discharge their duties with utmost dedication for the success of the government.

(NAN)