The federal government has reiterated its commitment to securing the release of all Nigerians being held captive by kidnappers and other criminal groups, assuring citizens that every available measure is being deployed to ensure their safe return.
The assurance was given on Friday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during a meeting with a delegation from the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), led by its National Amirah, Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza.
According to a statement issued by the SGF’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast in its determination to strengthen national security, describing the protection of lives and property as one of the government’s highest priorities.
“Our mission on earth, our goal on earth is to promote, to preserve, and to prolong life. It’s not to shorten it. The government is doing everything to secure the release of all who are captured,” Akume said.
He expressed optimism that ongoing military operations and coordinated security interventions across the country would continue to yield positive results in the fight against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
The SGF also called on religious organisations to continue offering prayers for President Tinubu and his administration, stressing that faith-based groups remain critical partners in addressing the country’s security and developmental challenges.
Describing FOMWAN as a reliable ally in promoting peace, national unity and social development, Akume commended the association for its sustained contributions through advocacy, humanitarian activities and moral guidance.
He noted that the organisation, made up largely of mothers, wives and sisters, occupies a strategic position in society and plays an important role in fostering community cohesion and national development.
Akume further acknowledged the association’s commendation of the Tinubu administration, saying governance comes with enormous challenges in every country but that the true test of leadership lies in responding effectively to emerging issues.
He added that the federal government values the contributions of faith-based organisations in promoting peacebuilding, national cohesion and sustainable development, while noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda places significant emphasis on women’s empowerment.
Earlier, the FOMWAN National Amirah reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing Islamic values alongside the socio-economic development of women, youths and children through education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, humanitarian services and advocacy.
She praised the federal government for its efforts in improving security, education, humanitarian response, social protection and women’s development, while also recognising the sacrifices made by security agencies in combating insecurity across the country.
However, Hamza urged the government to further strengthen the nation’s security architecture by enhancing intelligence gathering, deepening community engagement, improving the protection of vulnerable communities and addressing the socio-economic factors driving insecurity.
She reiterated FOMWAN’s commitment to peacebuilding, family development, youth empowerment and civic responsibility, noting that for over four decades the association has contributed to national development through literacy programmes, women’s empowerment initiatives, healthcare interventions, humanitarian assistance and social welfare projects.
Hamza also appealed for stronger institutional collaboration between FOMWAN and the federal government to enable the association to expand its developmental interventions across the country.
