The new National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, seems to have commenced his duties with set aims but cautious steps: his recent visits to leading Northern opinion leaders, in a bid to win their support for what he calls his new approach to the nation's terrorism challenges, shows clearly that he intends to win this conflict through  dialogue rather than force. Whether this is acceptable to most Nigerians is another thing entirely.

‘Police Rescues DESOPADEC Commissioner’s Wife

ASABA- Mrs Agatha Diden, wife of a Commissioner in the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Mike Diden, has been rescued by the police.

Diden was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Anwai Road in Asaba on June 27.

Spokesman of state’s Police Command, Mr Charles Muka, told newsmen in Asaba that Diden was rescued on July 1 at Umunede in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta.

He said that the woman was rescued by men from the Special Anti-Robbery Section (SARS) in an uncompleted building where her abductors had kept her.

According to him, through reliable information, men from SARS trailed the kidnappers to an uncompleted building at Umunede where the victim was rescued unhurt.

He disclosed that the suspected kidnappers, who mounted surveillance in the area, took to their heels when they noticed that policemen were advancing towards their hideout.

Muka said that one blue-coloured Golf 3 car with registration number AH 806 AGD, one pump action gun and four AK47 magazines were recovered in the uncompleted building.

He disclosed that no ransom was paid but that the command would reward any person with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

Muka also disclosed that another 40-year-old,woman, Mrs Helen Olori, kidnapped in Effurun on June 22, had also been rescued by the men of the command.

He said that the woman was rescued on June 27 at No 18, Ogbefo Emeburien Street, Effurun, the residence of one Henry Agerage, suspected to be a member of the kidnap gang.

“The kidnappers demanded the sum of N50 million and later agreed to collect N1.2 million, and the money was packed by policemen and taken to the agreed point.

“”But as the suspects attempted to collect the money, they were confronted by the diligent and watchful policemen who engaged them in a gun duel and in the process, the suspects escaped with bullet wounds,” he added.

He, however, disclosed that one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident and was helping detectives from the command headquarters in investigation.

He also said that efforts were on to nab the fleeing suspects.