The victims were killed despite the payment of a N50 million ransom. UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, extended condolences to the people of Zamfara and emphasized the need for collective efforts to curb kidnapping in Nigeria.
Lever stressed that kidnapping has severe impacts on society, communities, and families, and reiterated the UK's commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling this menace.
The UK government has been working with Nigerian authorities to establish a Multi-Agency Fusion Cell to combat kidnapping. The cell aims to provide a collaborative response to kidnapping incidents across the country.
Lever highlighted the importance of this initiative, which has been a three-year partnership between the UK and Nigeria. The Multi-Agency Fusion Cell will support the Nigerian Police and Department of State Service kidnap response units nationwide.
The UK government has also launched the State Expansion Programme to roll out the Multi-Agency Fusion Cell capability to states. This program aims to synergize the Multi-Agency Fusion Cell and state response teams to produce a joint effect greater than their individual entities.