The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Tuesday handed over 59 rescued kidnapped victims in Kaduna State.
The victims were rescued from various forests in Kaduna State.
The NSA boss handed them over to state government officials, led by the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Sani Liman Kila, in Abuja.
Speaking at the occasion, Mallam Ribadu said the victims comprised 28 females, 24 males, and six children. He, however, one of the victims was reportedly hospitalized.
This is as NSA added that the Federal Government was working round the clock to ensure that other kidnapping victims still in captivity are released.
He said, “Well, once again, we are here as part of a joint operation involving all security forces under the directives of Mr. President. To work tirelessly to bring peace, security, and restore normalcy in our country.
“Yet again, today, we have just received those who were rescued from captivity after being kidnapped by bandits. They are now going back to their homes. We have seen them, and this has been the case.
“Thousands and thousands of people have regained their freedom due to the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Who has worked hard to bring peace and security. We believe this is a continuous journey.
“Already, a lot is happening. We are restoring order, bringing justice, and ensuring peace returns to our country.
“Today, about 59 people have been rescued. Last week, a similar number was freed.
“Thousands and thousands more have been saved, and the operations are ongoing across the country. This is also a joint effort of all security forces under the directives of Mr. President.
“I would like to thank everyone at the forefront of the fight to keep Nigeria safe—the armed forces, the intelligence community, the civil police. We are all working as one, and we are seeing the results.
“We thank God for this opportunity. And we will continue to work, and indeed, it is only a matter of time before Nigeria becomes peaceful again, and order is fully restored.”
In his brief remarks, the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, thanked the NSA boss. He stated that some of the victims had been held in captivity for over four months before their rescue.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, expressed happiness at the rescue. He, however, described Kaduna State as the most affected by insecurity.
“We want to particularly thank the Kaduna State Government and its Governor. They have been exceptional. Their collaboration and cooperation with the Federal Government have been remarkable.
“Kaduna State is an example of what can be achieved when the Federal and State Government work together. It is probably one of the greatest achievements in the history of this administration.
“Kaduna has been the most affected state in terms of insecurity over the past few years. However, today, it is one of the safest due to the strong partnership established between the Federal Government and the State.”
Receiving the victims, the Kaduna State Governor expressed appreciation to the President and the NSA. He praised them for their efforts in ensuring the country remains safe.
The Nigerian Tribune reports that the victims, mostly women and children, were rescued along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. Specifically in the Rijana area of the State, by joint security forces from the military and intelligence agencies, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
source: Nigerian Tribune