THE National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on Saturday handed over 58 people rescued during joint security operations to the Kaduna State Government.
The victims were presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to the Kaduna Chief of Staff, Sani Limankila, who represented Go Uba Sani during the ceremony.
Gen. Musa emphasised that no ransom was paid for their release.
“This rescue was achieved through the combined efforts of the military and other security agencies”, Musa said, adding “the operation utilized both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, underscoring the need for collective effort, not just military actions.”
He highlighted the importance of collaboration at all levels, from the presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and the Kaduna State Government.
According to him, such synergy enabled the successful rescue of the victims.
Musa reiterated that every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring security, saying “if we do not work together, it will be extremely difficult to succeed. It’s a whole-of-society approach”.
He also warned against sabotage by individuals attempting to undermine government efforts, stressing that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
“Many of us have sacrificed weekends and holidays, working day and night to achieve these successes. We assure Nigerians that we will continue until every captive is freed and every Nigerian can move freely across the country,” Musa said.
The CDS noted that some individuals involved in banditry were forced into it, but the military remains determined to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, provided details about the victims.
He said they were kidnapped from Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga villages in Dan Musa council area of Katsina State.
Laka revealed that the joint operation, conducted by troops of 1 Division on Nov. 14, led to their rescue.
The victims included 35 males and 23 females.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that they were kidnapped by armed bandits under the command of a notorious criminal known as Janbros. The victims were forced to trek hundreds of kilometers through the Birnin Gwari forest”, Laka said.
He added that following their rescue, the victims received medical care and necessary assistance to stabilize them, explaining that six victims who required hospitalization have now recovered and were reunited with the others for the handover.
Sani Limankila, representing the Kaduna State Governor, expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their efforts and called on Nigerians to support ongoing operations to end kidnapping and insecurity.