The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing the remaining Chibok schoolgirls and Leah Sharibu, assuring Nigerians they haven’t been forgotten.
On April 14, 2014, 276 girls were abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok. Eleven years later, 87 remain in captivity. Leah Sharibu was among 110 schoolgirls kidnapped by ISWAP from Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, on February 19, 2018. While others were freed, Leah, the only Christian, remains held.
Speaking at a multi-agency anti-kidnapping meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, National Counter Terrorism Centre Coordinator, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, said rescue efforts have been ongoing. He noted that rescues have occurred gradually through negotiations and military operations.
“We haven’t given up. Some girls were married off to insurgents, but some have returned. Let’s not forget others also kidnapped, including Nigerian aid workers,” he said.
Laka added that media silence doesn’t mean government inaction. “Leah Sharibu is still a concern. We are working on it and praying all 87 will be rescued.”
He also gave updates on the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, launched by NSA Nuhu Ribadu on December 19, 2024. The centre facilitates intelligence sharing and supports security agencies in combating kidnapping.
To improve response, anti-kidnap liaison officers have been deployed across all 36 states and the FCT, bridging national coordination and local operations.