In a significant move to combat insecurity in Nigeria, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, formally handed over 59 rescued kidnap victims to the Kaduna State Government on Tuesday.
The handover ceremony, held at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, marked another success in the ongoing battle against criminal elements terrorizing the country.
Speaking at the event, Ribadu credited the rescue operation to the concerted efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, working under the directives of President Bola Tinubu.
“We are working extra hard to bring peace, security, and normalcy to our country. Today, we have 59 individuals rescued from kidnappers, and they are returning to their homes,” Ribadu stated.
He emphasized that this operation was part of a broader strategy aimed at tackling kidnapping and banditry nationwide, noting that thousands of abducted persons had been freed in recent months.
In recent years, Kaduna State has faced significant challenges with insecurity, especially on the infamous Abuja-Kaduna Road. Nevertheless, Ribadu is hopeful about the prospects for improvements in the state’s security conditions.
“Kaduna has faced significant insecurity challenges, but it is increasingly becoming one of the safest states thanks to the excellent collaboration between state and federal governments,” he stated, praising Governor Uba Sani for his proactive assistance.
Sani Kila, the Chief of Staff to the governor of Kaduna, recognized the federal government’s dedication to addressing the security issues.
Kila stated, “This marks the second occasion we are welcoming freed hostages. Previously, there were more than 40 victims; today, we have 59. We applaud President Tinubu and Governor Sani for their unwavering dedication.”
At the event, Major General G. Mbuishi, representing the military, reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the country’s security.
“The army, navy, air force, police, and intelligence agencies are completely dedicated to fulfilling the President’s security directives. This is merely the first step, and we are confident that additional successes will come,” he stated.
The operation was carried out by members of the Nigerian Army’s One Division, based on intelligence received from the NCTC.
The victims, who were kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna Road, faced traumatic experiences during their time in captivity, with some being held in the Rajina area of Kaduna for as long as four months.
Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, stated that a significant number of captives were left behind by their kidnappers due to increasing pressure from security agencies, while others were able to flee and were subsequently rescued by law enforcement.
Laka emphasized that the transfer highlights the government’s persistent dedication to addressing kidnapping and banditry, particularly on the infamous Abuja-Kaduna Road.
Ribadu promised Nigerians that security efforts would persist until peace and stability are completely reinstated throughout the country.
