Why hostages in terrorist captivity are yet to be rescued – Buhari
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has said rescuing hostages in terrorist captivities requires “wisdom, caution, and patience”.
The president said this to select residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who paid him a Sallah homage on Monday.
Buhari said the terrorists are wont to use captives as human shield whenever they come under military bombardment.
“They don’t care about killing their hostages if they come under attack”, President Buhari said.
“It’s a delicate situation that requires wisdom, caution and also patience. Any rescue operation that results in the death of any hostage cannot be deemed a success
“ The primary objective of any rescue operation is to free the hostages safely, unharmed and alive,” he stated.
The President also urged citizens to volunteer useful information to security agencies for thel purpose of tracking down terrorists.
“Let me make it clear, however, that defeating the terrorists and bandits require more than weapons; we also need human intelligence, which is necessary to frustrate terrorist plans.
“The people and community leaders should help our security officials with information about the activities or movements of criminal groups.”
The President averred that citizens put themselves at risk by “protecting criminals from exposure.”
Nigeria has continued to face security challenges, including terrorism and kidnapping.
Terrorists are believed to have killed more 12,000 citizens since extremist Jihadist group, Boko Haram announced itself.
Also, billions of naira in ransom payment are being funnelled to criminal gangs kidnapping citizens.
However, a new law promulgated last week has criminalised payment of ransom to kidnappers.
