The recent rescue of 18 kidnap victims in Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State has drawn commendation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency, TPL Mukhtar Galadima.
Galadima, while commending the military and other security agencies for the operation, particularly praised troops of Sector 3 deployed in Ibi, for their swift response to reports of kidnapping at Kwatan Bajji in the early hours of August 18.
He described the operation as a demonstration of the commitment of the security forces to protecting lives and restoring peace in communities affected by criminal activities.
The PDP candidate urged security agencies to sustain operations in vulnerable communities across Wukari/Ibi and other parts of Taraba State, stressing the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-sharing to identify and disrupt criminal networks before they strike.
Galadima also called for stronger legislation and institutional support to improve the operational and intelligence-gathering capabilities of the military and other security agencies.
He said the fight against kidnapping should go beyond responding to attacks after they occur, arguing that improved intelligence infrastructure, modern surveillance capabilities and better-equipped security personnel were necessary to detect and prevent criminal activities before they happen.
He appealed to residents, traditional institutions, community leaders and youths in Wukari/Ibi to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities.
According to him, early reporting could make the difference between preventing a crime and responding to its consequences, while security agencies must also ensure the confidentiality and protection of credible informants.
Galadima commended the Federal Government for supporting ongoing security operations, but stressed that sustained investment in the welfare, equipment, intelligence and operational capacity of security personnel remained essential to achieving lasting peace.
He congratulated the 18 rescued victims and their families, while urging security forces to sustain the offensive until criminal elements operating in the area are identified and brought to justice.
