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Tag: journalists

  • ‘Why journalists must embrace AI’

    ‘Why journalists must embrace AI’

    As technology continues to rapidly change how things are done, journalists have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) or risk fading into irrelevance in the coming months.

    Senior Manager, Architecture and Engineering at MTN Nigeria, Chukwuebuka Ezewuzie, made the appeal at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, where he delivered a lecture to the MTN MIP-4 cohorts last week.

    Ezewuzie noted that AI offers a wide range of possibilities to journalists, including generating headlines, summarising lengthy articles, crafting interview questions based on existing data and producing multimedia content for diverse platforms within minutes.

    Acknowledging the challenges journalists face, such as tight deadlines, multiple content formats and the need for accuracy, the tech expert said AI would reduce these burdens if adequately deployed.

    “You can upload entire documents and ask the AI to provide a simplified summary tailored to your tone and style,” he explained.

    However, he warned against blind reliance on AI outputs, stressing the need for fact-checking due to potential errors, hallucinations and biases in the technology.

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    He also spoke about the visual storytelling power of AI, particularly in generating images and videos that match the tone of a story.

    “You can instruct the AI to create visuals that are appropriate and avoid injurious content,” he said.

    While acknowledging ethical concerns such as deep fakes, Ezewuzie pointed out that AI is also being used to detect such manipulated content, with tech giants like Facebook already deploying tools to flag deep fakes and copyright breaches. He concluded by urging journalists to develop AI skills, noting that very soon, proficiency in AI will be a basic professional requirement, just like computer literacy.

  • Prophet urges Christian journalists to promote hope, drive national transformation

    The General Overseer of Pentecost Day Church, Prophet Sam Kehinde, has called on Christian journalists in Nigeria to embrace a more positive and responsible approach in their reporting as a means of fostering national transformation.

    Speaking during the Annual Thanksgiving Service of Daily Independent Newspaper held at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, Prophet Kehinde stressed the media’s critical role in shaping public perception and national values.

    “I want journalists, especially Christian journalists, to focus on more positive issues,” he said. “In countries like America, despite their challenges, the media still projects hope. What you constantly declare is what you eventually become. If we keep emphasizing negativity, we’ll sink deeper into it.”

    Citing Isaiah 60, he referenced the biblical prophecy of “gross darkness,” interpreting it as a global spiritual and societal challenge. 

    “Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people,” he quoted. “But the darker it gets, the brighter the light shines. This is not a time to despair — it is a time to shine.”

    Prophet Kehinde urged journalists to see national challenges as opportunities for innovation, growth, and the rebirth of a stronger Nigeria.

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    “You grow in the night, not in the day,” he said. “The thicker the darkness, the brighter the light shines. Some countries turned crises like COVID-19 into platforms for innovation. We must do the same, it’s all about mindset.”

    While stressing the importance of prayer, Prophet Kehinde also called for responsible action, urging media practitioners to be agents of hope, healing, and transformation.

    “God will not do for man what man must do for himself. We must combine prayer with responsibility. Journalists must help the nation by inspiring, not depressing the people.”

    Earlier in his address, Pastor Yomi Adebisi, Editor of Saturday Independent and Pastor of the Independent News Christian Fellowship, said the thanksgiving service was a divine instruction from God to mark a season of breakthrough for the organization.

    “God told us to dedicate one day to receive blessings and another to praise Him. That’s why this year’s event spanned two days,” he said.

     “Our theme is: ‘The Siege Is Over.’ God has removed sorrow from our midst.”

    Adebisi highlighted how the company had experienced significant divine intervention in recent years — from breaking patterns of untimely deaths to financial challenges.

    “There was a time we lost staff members almost every year. But God broke that jinx. For years, we struggled to pay salaries, but for the past three years, we have not missed a month,” he said.

    He affirmed that the celebration of God at the company’s altar has marked a spiritual turning point.

    “The world thought Independent was dead, but God has revived us. We have left Egypt and entered Canaan. Now, we are stepping into global relevance and soon, the world will celebrate with us.”

    Pastor Adebisi expressed optimism for the company’s future, declaring that a season of explosive growth is on the horizon.

    “This is only the beginning. From this altar of thanksgiving, we have seen healing, restoration, and supernatural turnaround. We are set for the next level.”

  • US Consulate supports training programme for emerging journalists

    US Consulate supports training programme for emerging journalists

    With support from the US Consulate General in Lagos, the Media Career Development Network(MCDN) has launched a bi-monthly Journalism Clinic initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of impactful Nigerian reporters.

    Designed for early-career journalists with less than five years of reporting experience, the year-long initiative will offer hands-on capacity building workshops to strengthen professional skills and promote fact-based ethical reporting.

    Through intensive workshops to be held in Lagos, the programme will equip young journalists with the requisite skills to produce data-driven investigative reporting, introduce them to open-source digital tools to assist them in their work, and facilitate connections with senior journalists and subject matter experts for mentorship opportunities.

    The clinics will cover a broad range of topics, including reporting on local governance institutions, transparency and accountability, financial journalism, public health coverage and best practices for covering sensitive stories. 

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    Additional sessions will focus on accessing public data, working with anonymous sources, ethical and professional journalism practices, prioritizing truth, and best practices for leveraging social media for impactful storytelling.

    U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay highlighted the initiative as part of the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening media capacity in Nigeria.

     “Press freedom and a professional, responsive, and independent media are critical parts of any democracy,” McKay said.

     “By providing timely and accurate information, journalists give citizens a voice allowing them to engage in important dialogue and hold leaders accountable.”

    Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin, noted that approximately 150 reporters will benefit from the capacity building program. 

    He emphasised the program’s goal of empowering young journalists to fulfill their role to keep the public informed. 

    “Participants will gain advanced reporting skills that enhance their ability to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable,” Otufodunrin added.

  • Journalists and shrinking civic spaces

    Journalists and shrinking civic spaces

    Sir: Journalism is a profession of global significance, recognized and protected by constitutional statutes. In Nigeria, it stands uniquely as the only profession explicitly acknowledged in the 1999 Constitution.

    Chapter 2, Section 22, titled Obligation of the Mass Media, mandates that “The press, radio, television, and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”

    Similarly, Chapter 4, Section 39 guarantees “freedom of expression and the press,” ensuring every citizen’s right to hold opinions and share information freely.

    With these constitutional provisions, journalists are tasked with informing the public and bridging the gap between government and citizens.

    However, the path of a journalist is fraught with challenges. While the profession is often romanticized as noble, those outside the field frequently underestimate its complexities.

    In today’s digital era, citizen journalism has blurred the lines between professional journalism and unverified information shared on social media. The advent of blogs and platforms has given rise to individuals claiming to be journalists without formal training, undermining the profession’s credibility.

    Untrained influencers and bloggers often disseminate half-truths or outright falsehoods before verified news reaches the public. Their fame and large followings make it harder for audiences to discern fact from fiction.

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    This not only misleads the public but also puts trained journalists in an uphill battle to correct narratives. Professional journalists face immense personal and professional pressures.

    They contend with fatigue, low motivation, and depression but must persevere for the sake of public service. On the streets, they endure insults and harassment while gathering stories, often risking their safety and personal relationships.

    Investigative journalists, in particular, face the highest risks, with some losing their lives in pursuit of the truth. Police harassment is another recurring issue. Journalists are frequently detained or obstructed while on assignments, despite their role as allies in serving public interest.

    Such hostility erodes trust between security agencies and the press, undermining collaboration.

    Misinformation poses one of the greatest threats to journalism. Nigerians and citizen journalists must understand that setting the nation on a better path requires a civil, constructive approach. Publicly disparaging the government or amplifying unverified claims online worsens problems without offering meaningful solutions.

    Journalists must be empowered to tackle these challenges effectively. This begins with creating an environment where journalists feel safe and valued. Providing resources for unhindered reporting, ensuring mental and physical well-being, and recognizing exceptional contributions through awards can significantly boost morale.

    Upholding constitutional protections is crucial, but building trust, professionalism, and resilience is equally important for journalism to thrive.

    •Rabi Ummi Umar,Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin.

  • CDS, IG hailed over rescue of journalists

    CDS, IG hailed over rescue of journalists

    Some sports writers have commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for rescuing some of the sports journalists kidnapped last week on Ihiala-Orlu Road, Anambra State on the eve of the Nigeria/Libya AFCON qualifying match in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    In a statement, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, however, said Mr Kola Omoniyi, the eldest among the reporters of Afro Sports, the police officer and driver died.

    He added that those kidnapped were the media crew, and that they were made to pay ransom running into millions of naira, and that the kidnappers collected also the cash on the victims in the bush.

    However, luck ran out of the attackers when the military tracked their location and swung into action to rescue seven members of the crew after four of them had fled.

    He said the military were able to rescue the reporters and exhumed the body of Omoniyi, whom the kidnappers had buried in a shallow grave and that the team came in their ambulance to pick up those critically injured journalists. 

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    The army officers handed them over to their medical team but took the body of the deceased journalist to the mortuary.

    Oladunni also said two out of the four crew members, who ran into the bush before the arrival of the security forces during the attack, survived with the help of the military as they were able to track their location. They have since returned to Lagos.

    “The military forces have  confirmed to us that one of the journalists, Abdul Quadri Amao, is still nowhere to be found as the operations team in the Artillery Regiment and 34 Artillery Brigade confirmed that his location was about 500 radius away to their base and they have been in the lookout for him in the bush in the past two days but he is yet to be found,’ he added.

    “Our prayer is with Mr Quadri Amao that the good Lord help the military forces rescue him. We commend the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army staff, the Joint Security Forces of the Nigerian military headed by the Commander of General operations in Anambra State, Col A. K. Mohammed and team of 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) and Commander 34 Brigade in Owerri, Nigeria Police, Lagos SWAN Executive Committee members and Arise Television for the effort to save these noble men. She added: “We want to call on Afro Sports to  do the needful by ensuring a well-deserved compensation package is released to all the media crew involved and most especially to the family of the late Kola Omoniyi who was regarded as an expertise and one of the best professional camera operators Nigeria ever produced.

    “On behalf of myself, the executive members and the Lagos SWAN members, we commiserate with the family of the deceased journalist, the police officer and driver who all lost their lives . And we thanked God for the others who were rescued.

    Lagos SWAN commended Egbetokun and his team for their role. “It is important we express gratitude to the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigerian Military, for the kind spirit and support they have shown in the swift response to call and rescue of the kidnapped media team,” Oladunni said.

  • Journalists demand legal reforms to safeguard press freedom

    Journalists demand legal reforms to safeguard press freedom

    Journalists have called for legal reforms to align with international standards to ensure journalists’ safety and actions to promote media independence and accountability.

    The journalists also seek capacity building and training programmes to be organised for judges and other categories of judicial officers as well as prosecutors on media laws, the role of the media in a democratic society, and the importance of media freedom to democracy to enable the judiciary act as a safeguard against politically motivated prosecution of journalists.

    These were the concern of journalists during a two-day workshop on Laws Affecting the Media and the Safety of Journalists in Nigeria organised by the Media Rights Agenda with support from the MacArthur Foundation through the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion and Accountability (CMEDIA) Project in Abuja.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop, the journalists stressed the need to strengthen media freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria as they highlighted the misuse of laws like the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws to harass and intimidate journalists, the inadequate protection of media freedom in the legal framework, and the threats posed by government attempts to regulate digital media.

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    The workshop was attended by 31 participants and facilitators. The participants were drawn from among media professionals from broadcast, print and online media organisations from different states in the North East, North Central and North West geo-political zones of Nigeria.

    Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, Edetaen Ojo, said journalists need to be familiar with the laws and regulations affecting the media to enable them to protect themselves and their sources.

    He said the objectives of the workshop were to provide an overview to participants on the current legal framework governing the media in Nigeria, offer practical guidance on ensuring compliance with media-related laws and foster a collaborative environment for addressing the challenges faced by journalists.

  • Journalists raise alarm over kidnappings, armed robberies in Delta

    Journalists raise alarm over kidnappings, armed robberies in Delta

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel has raised alarm over incessant kidnappings, armed robbery attacks and other insecurity issues facing residents of the state.

    The Union called on the Delta state government to urgently take deliberate action against the crimes, as residents now sleep with one eye closed and move around with extra vigilance.

    The journalists made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its Congress held at the Press Centre, in Warri.

    According to the statement, the level of insecurity was already threatening food security in the state, as most farmers no longer go to their farms for fear of herdsmen attacks.

    They also tasked the government to be proactive in tackling flooding in the State as predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET).

    The statement, in particular, demanded that the ecological fund and recently approved N3 billion to tackle flood be judiciously used to evacuate those in flood-prone areas.0

    Parts of the statement read: “In line with the warning by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), that at least 20 states, including Delta, will experience severe flooding, Congress calls on the Delta State Government to expedite action towards evacuating residents living in flood-prone areas in the state.

    “It also calls on residents of communities along the bank of River Niger to be vigilant and ready to be evacuated.

    “The Congress demands that N39.62 billion ecological fund and the recently released N3 billion approved to each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the federal government in the country to tackle all forms of natural disasters, including flooding, be judiciously utilised. The N3 billion recently released to states to tackle flooding should be expended for such purposes.

    “To this end, congress called on the government to be proactive in saving the lives and properties of her citizens in such coastal communities.

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    “On insecurity, Congress laments rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities across the state. It, therefore, calls on the Delta State Government and security agencies to urgently tackle the alarming rate of crime in the state.

    “Congress also notes with disdain, the menace of criminal herdsmen terrorising farmers, thereby plunging the state into food insecurity and demands that the perpetrators be brought to book.

    “It further calls on the Delta State Government to take deliberate steps to curb hunger through the establishment of state agricultural hubs in the three senatorial districts. Congress also urges Local Governments in the State to do the same by setting up farm settlements, to boost food production in the state.”

    Other demands by the Union include monthly disclosure of internally generated revenue by the Delta State Government; employment of Mathematics, English, and Science subjects teachers to man the State’s secondary schools, as well as provide a subsidised transport system to cushion the economic hardship occasioned by the hike in petrol pump price.

  • Journalists urged to educate citizens on conflict mitigations, pandemics for national growth

    Journalists urged to educate citizens on conflict mitigations, pandemics for national growth

    • Handbook of risk and crisis communication launched

    Nigerian journalists and media experts have been counselled to be supportive of conflict mitigations and pandemic-free society by promoting peace and educating the citizenry on diseases.

    This was the kernel of discussions by Associate Professor of Journalism, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Lagos State University, Dr. Tunde Akanni, Mr. Peter Onimisi of VSF Programme and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, at the closing ceremony of a two-day workshop for journalists in Lagos.

    The training, titled, “Emergency and Risk Communication Reporting Workshop”, was organised by Victim Support Fund (VSF) COVID-19 Task Force.

    They urged journalists to put out the right and accurate information to readers and listeners to assist in national and societal development in the era of media abundance and convergence.

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    According to Akanni, who was the lead lecturer at the training, journalists must embrace developmental journalism to report positive innovations, by highlighting the country’s unique achievements to the rest of the world.

    Journalists, he noted, must ensure that in the course of their activities as professionals, they must always have it in mind to be supportive of civilisational role of the society and humanity.

    “We must recognise the fact that it’s only through the mass media that the generality of the people can have access to authoritative information. When I say authoritative information, that is particularly important in this era because, now is where we keep interfacing routinely with what has come to be known as ‘Age of Media Abundance ‘.

    “In order words, anyone who can afford to acquire a telephone and can subscribe to data, such a person also has the capacity to put any form of information in the public place for people to access. And whether such information is correct or not, people will access.

    “But for us as professionals, it is expected of us to ensure that information we put in the public place is the truth and nothing but the truth and must also empower fellow human beings to take correct decisions, concerning different facets of human life, ranging from health, to farming, education, name it. Now, you know that there is hardly anyone who wants to drive around a city like Lagos these days, who would not want to take advantage of Google map so that you get to know which routes are free than others.”

    The university don noted that in the past, a place like Lagos used to have evening newspapers.

    He asked his audience about who would buy evening newspapers again when the moment an event is happening, even newspaper websites, all over the world, have the reports of the same incident.

    “So, where is the place of the evening newspapers again? What that means is that for us as professionals, we must brace up to the type of technological phase that has come to propel our practices. We must make up our minds consciously, to tell our own stories.

    “It is up to us to ensure that we put far more correct information about the country in the public space more than anyone would do. Thank God the era of technological superiority is no longer tenable. What technology can avail anyone in China today is available right here in this room. As a matter of fact, if we want to live stream this interaction, it is possible.

    “So, we must endeavour to tell our own stories as much as possible. We don’t want the negative versions that may be preferred by some other persons about us.

    Speaking about journalists being advocates of issues concerning their societies, he said: “I spoke about advocacy in relation with specific issues, especially concrete reporting. We don’t have any alternative. Being supportive of conflict mitigation, we must consciously as journalists make sure that there is peace in the society because, if there is no peace in the society, we can work and live peacefully.

    “We can’t even function if there is no place for the operation of any sector, including the media. So, we must be bold enough to ensure that we advocate with our media for conflict mitigation, in order words, peace. There’s no alternative to that.”

    Special Assistant Media Communication and Strategy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, who was moderator of the training, lauded the VSF for anticipating danger of pandemic and coming out with intervention through training to contribute to the performance of the media in the coverage of such emergencies.

    Abdulkadir said: “We are talking about Monkeypox and others from going beyond what are manageable. But the fact that we overcame COVID 19 challenge does not mean we should just go back and sleep off. It is important to remind us the media of our responsibilities to the society to strive to do the best when we are to cover issues bothering on pandemics and conflicts.”

    Peter Onimisi of VSF Programme said they decided to train journalists to prepare in case another pandemic erupts in Nigeria.

    He said: “It’s for us to pay attention to our immediate environment. Tragic incidences, such as pandemics, don’t announce themselves when they are spreading on any community. When we pay attention to things happening in our immediate environment, like news editors would want to enjoin us most times, we might end up detecting what would help the entire nation.”

    “We hope we try to do better in the course of service delivery for whatever media we are working for.”

    Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, urged journalists to remember the core ethics of the profession in their reportages.

    He thanked the sponsors of the training for bringing the training to journalists in Lagos.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of ‘No need for alarm: The Handbook of risk and crisis communication ” written by Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and Abdulkadir .

  • MRA prepares journalists for legal, digital threats

    MRA prepares journalists for legal, digital threats

    Media Rights Agenda has held a two-day workshop to enhance and strengthen journalists’ knowledge of how to deal with legal complexities and digital security in media practice.

    It had in attendance about 30 participants selected from various media organizations in Nigeria.

    The workshop themed: “Laws Affecting the Media and Safety of Journalists in Nigeria” was organised by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) with support from the MacArthur Foundation and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusion, and Accountability (CMEDIA) Project. It was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    The workshop aimed to provide journalists with an overview of the current legal framework governing the media in Nigeria, offerred practical guidance on ensuring compliance with media-related laws, and fostered a collaborative environment to address the challenges faced by journalists in their daily work.

    Facilitated by the MRA Executive Director, Mr Edetaen Ojo; Programme Officer, Esther Adeniyi and Head of Legal Department, MRA, Obioma Okonkwo.

    The topics discussed in the programme focused on national, regional, and international frameworks on freedom of expression, media freedom, and the safety of journalists; legal frameworks inimical to media freedom in Nigeria; digital security and common digital threats to journalism practice; ethics in journalism practice in Nigeria; beneficial legal frameworks for journalists and the media in Nigeria; how to avoid legal liabilities as journalists; how to protect the information, systems, confidential sources and contacts; and avenues for journalists to obtain legal and litigation support.

    Speaking at the workshop the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, Mr Edeaton Ojo underscored the importance of journalists being knowledgeable about the laws and regulations affecting media practice in the country.

    He urged them to regularly update their knowledge of these laws and comply with applicable ethical codes to protect themselves, assert their rights, and ensure they can carry out their professional duties without undue interference or fear of retribution.

    He said: “Such workshops ensure that journalists are grounded in the legal landscape that governs the profession. It also enhances your ability to report accurately, responsibly, and fairly, which is essential for maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of democracy.”

    “So by investing your time in participating in such a programme, you not only improve your competence and confidence, but you can also be more resilient and innovative, which in turn, strengthens the overall quality of journalism and its critical role in informing and empowering the public.”

    Mr. Ojo also encouraged Media organizations, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to periodically organize such workshops to enlighten journalists about the legal framework governing the media sector and the evolving legal landscape.

    Speaking on the issue of legal liability, Mr. Ojo stated that defamation suits or claims are arguably the most common legal problem for journalists and media organizations.

    Legal liability, he said, is an adverse legal consequence as a result of one’s action or inaction which can arise under civil or criminal laws.

    He implored journalists to have a good understanding of defamation laws to avoid being slammed with a suit arising from it.

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    “Always double-check your information and try to verify the facts from multiple credible sources before publishing,” Mr Ojo advised.

    “Separate opinion pieces from factual reporting and use accurate quotations.”

    Even after doing due diligence, claims of defamation may sometimes be made against a journalist, Mr Ojo said.

    “But there are defenses available to a journalist or media organization facing a defamation claim.

    “Understanding the available defenses is critical. Defenses include; truth, privilege, fair comment, innocent dissemination, consent and retraction.”

    MRA Legal Officer, Obioma Okonkwo, who took the participants through existing human rights and criminal laws mentioned some laws impacting media freedom such as the Nigeria Press Council Act, Criminal Code Act, National Health Act, Child Rights Act, Cybercrime Act, Official Secret Act and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) code.

    Also, the participants, during the training, decried the widespread arrests, brutalization, harassment, and intimidation of Journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests in various parts of the country, by law enforcement and security officials, describing such actions as an unacceptable violation of the right of journalists.

  • Minister receives freed journalists abducted in Kaduna, commends NSA

    Minister receives freed journalists abducted in Kaduna, commends NSA

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Sunday July 14, received the two-Kaduna based journalists who were abducted from their homes in the outskirts of Kaduna last weekend.  

    Receiving the two journalists, AbdulGafar Alabelewe of The Nation newspapers and AbdulRaheem Aodu of Blueprint newspapers, from the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the minister commended security agencies for the speedy recovery of the victims.

    The two journalists were released along with Alabelewe’s wife and two children. 

    Mohammed expressed sympathy to the two families 

    Read Also: Abducted Kaduna journalists regain freedom

    “We are most grateful of what you have done. We are aware that this is part of your ongoing effort to ensure that all kidnapped victims are rescued alive and reunited with their families. 

    “I want to urge Nigerians to keep faith with the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies. The security agencies under the coordination of the NSA are working tirelessly to ensure that all those who have been taken into unlawful custody are freed without paying any ransom,” he said. 

    Speaking earlier, the NSA said the five victims were rescued following a combined effort of security agencies which led to swift search and rescue operation. 

    Responding, one of the rescued victims, Mr Alabelewe thanked the NSA and his team for the swift intervention. 

    “The rescue mission which brought us out of the bush yesterday gave us hope in our country and gave us confidence to believe that the government is serious about tackling this problem of kidnapping. I never thought that within a week of our kidnap we could get out. 

    “We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released,” he said.