Months after the abduction of students and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, a group of Christians in Northern Nigeria, welcomed the arrest of five suspected kidnappers by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the operation as a significant step toward justice for the victims and their families.
The commendation was conveyed in a statement on Monday by the Northern Christian Association (NCA).
Security sources revealed at the weekend that the DSS arrested five persons, including two Nigeriens, with a large cache of arms and ammunition.
In the statement signed by chairman of the association, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, the group said people of good conscience should not only criticize government when it fails to meet expectation, but should also acknowledge government when they deliver.
According to him, the arrest of those allegedly involved in supplying arms to criminal elements underscores the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations in tackling insecurity across the country.
He said dismantling the networks that provide logistics and weapons to terrorists is critical to reducing the capacity of such groups to carry out attacks on innocent citizens and vulnerable communities.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel who continue to put their lives on the line despite being frequent targets of terrorist attacks, NCA urged security agencies to ensure that investigations are thorough and that all those connected to the crime are brought to justice.
The group stressed that bringing persons involved in crime to account for their deeds would deter individuals and groups bent on destabilizing the country.
Hayab urged the DSS led by led by its Director General, (DG) Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, to be upbeat in their commitment to protecting the nation as he expressed confidence in the sustaining of collaboration among security agencies.
He urged communities and other stakeholders to help advance the collective goal of a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria.
The NCA chairman tasked the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts against terrorism and other forms of violent crime in order to restore public confidence and strengthen national security.
