UK Reacts to Brutal Murder of 38 Zamfara Residents

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 38 kidnapped residents in Zamfara State.

The victims, mostly women, were reportedly murdered by terrorists after their families paid a ransom of ₦50 million.

Bandits, led by the notorious kingpin Dan Sadiya, carried out the killings on Sunday in Banga community, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.

As a result, the tragedy sparked widespread outrage and deep grief across Nigeria.

During a Tuesday, July 29, press briefing in Abuja, Acting British High Commissioner Gill Lever described kidnapping as an “unspeakable crime.”

She stressed that such violence not only harms families, but also threatens national development.

“This senseless killing is inhumane and criminal,” Lever said. “Moreover, it affects people’s physical and mental well-being.

It also slows economic growth. Therefore, we must stop it.”

She expressed the UK’s heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected.

Additionally, she assured that the UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts against kidnapping and insecurity.

Lever spoke at an event organised by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), in partnership with the UK Government.

The event, in fact, showcased progress in the State Expansion Programme for Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell.

The Kidnap Fusion Cell is a three-year project that improves collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies.

Furthermore, it helps the Nigerian Police and DSS Kidnap Response Units gather and analyse data

. The goal is to share intelligence faster with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Besides that, the fusion centre also provides state-by-state kidnapping trends.

These reports, consequently, guide the government’s strategic responses.

According to Lever, the UK’s support includes training programmes and technical tools.

These efforts, undoubtedly, demonstrate the strong defence and security partnership between both countries.

Meanwhile, Major-General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, praised the project’s progress.

He said the fusion centre now works closely with the military and law enforcement agencies.

He also confirmed that the NCTC has started deploying anti-kidnap liaison officers across Nigeria.

These officers, notably, will operate in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Laka emphasized the urgent need for more action, especially in states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna.

These regions, in particular, recorded the highest number of kidnapping cases recently.

He concluded that the NCTC’s mission remains clear: save lives and restore peace.

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