The Federal Government has renewed its pledge to secure the release of Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok schoolgirls. It assured Nigerians that rescuing them remains a top national priority.
Rescue Operations Still Active
Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), gave the assurance during an anti-kidnapping meeting in Abuja. The session was held in collaboration with the UK’s National Crime Agency.
Laka said the government is using a mix of covert operations, negotiations, and continuous intelligence work to secure the girls’ release.
“Since the abduction, we’ve followed a gradual process,” he said. “This includes negotiations, secret operations, and consistent intelligence gathering. I was in the operational theatre after the Chibok abductions and can confirm the military’s strong commitment.”
Many Girls Still Missing
In April 2014, Boko Haram abducted 276 girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. Although many have escaped or been rescued, at least 87 remain in captivity.
Laka emphasized that the lack of media coverage doesn’t mean the efforts have stopped.
“We haven’t given up,” he said. “Some girls were forced into marriage, but several have returned. The silence doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten. Our work includes rescuing other kidnapped Nigerians, including humanitarian workers.”
Leah Sharibu Not Forgotten
Laka also addressed concerns about Leah Sharibu. She was abducted from Dapchi in February 2018 and reportedly held for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
“Her name may not be in the news daily, but we’re still working on her case,” he said. “By God’s grace, we believe the remaining 80-plus girls will come home.”
Laka gave an update on the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, launched in December 2024 by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. He said the unit now serves as a hub for intelligence sharing and coordination to combat kidnapping.
