The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday, handed over 59 kidnapped victims who were rescued from various forests in Kaduna State to the state government.

The victims, mostly women and children, were rescued along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, specifically in the Rijana area, through a joint operation by security forces, including the military and intelligence agencies, under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Providing a breakdown of the rescued individuals, Ribadu stated that they comprised 28 females, 24 males, and six children, while one person remained hospitalised.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of other kidnapped victims still in captivity.

“Well, once again, we are here as a joint operation of all the security forces under the directives of Mr President to work extra to ensure that we bring peace and security and restore normalcy in our country.

“Yet again today, we have just received those who are rescued from captivity as a result of kidnapping by bandits. They are going back to their homes, we have seen them. It has been the case.

“Thousands and thousands of people have got grace, and the work of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been able to bring peace and security and restore their freedom, and they are going back. We believe it is a journey.

“Already, a lot is taking place. We are restoring order, we are bringing justice, we are bringing back peace to our country.

“About 59 or so people today; last week, another number like that. And thousands and thousands and it is ongoing across the country. And it is also a joint operation of all the security forces under the directives of Mr. President.

“I would like to thank all those who are in charge or at the forefront of fighting to keep us safe in our country. The armed forces, the intelligence community, the civil police, all of us are working as one and we are seeing the result.

“We thank God for this opportunity given to us. We will continue to work, and indeed, it is a matter of time. Nigeria will be peaceful and we will restore order, definitely,” Ribadu said.

The NSA commended security agencies for their relentless efforts and assured Nigerians that the government would continue to work towards a peaceful and secure nation.

The Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, revealed that some of the victims had been held in captivity for over four months before their rescue.

Similarly, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi, described Kaduna as one of the states most affected by insecurity.

He praised the Kaduna State government for its cooperation with federal security agencies, stating that the collaboration had significantly improved security in the region.

“Kaduna State has been one of the most affected by insecurity in recent years, but today, it is among the most improved due to the strong partnership between the federal and state governments,” he said.

The PUNCH reports that Ribadu officially handed the victims over to Governor Uba Sani, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Liman Kila.


https://punchng.com/nsa-hands-over-rescued-abductees-to-kaduna-govt/