National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday handed over 128 victims rescued from kidnappers in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, to their families in Abuja.
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The victims, comprising men, women and children, were freed in two coordinated operations carried out by security forces. Ribadu said the rescued persons would undergo trauma treatment and receive support to reintegrate into their communities.
“There will be no respite in our operations. There will be no safe haven for those who terrorise our citizens. We will hunt, find, and bring them to justice,” Ribadu vowed.
He described the rescue as “a victory for the Nigerian people and a crushing blow to the networks of terror that sought to undermine peace in the country,” while commending the Armed Forces, Police, intelligence agencies and other operatives for their commitment.
The NSA also cautioned against politicising security challenges. “The pain of victims should never be turned into a tool for partisan gain. Let us take politics out of security challenges,” he warned, urging religious and political leaders, civil society and community influencers to work together in unity and compassion.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims were rescued in two batches. The first group of 42 was freed on August 14, comprising 40 males, a toddler and seven females, while the second group of 86 was rescued on August 19, consisting of 34 males and 54 females.
Laka disclosed that one child died from illness and fatigue while in captivity, and that one rescued woman gave birth prematurely, with her baby currently in an incubator at a medical facility.
“All the victims have been receiving medical treatment, psychological support and rehabilitation under the Office of the NSA before their formal handover today,” he said.
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, commended the government and security agencies for the rescue and advised the victims to embrace education and see their release as an opportunity to rebuild their future.
One of the victims, Abdullahi Salisu, recounted their ordeal, saying some were in captivity for 42 days and were often kept without food. He thanked God and the government for their freedom.
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