National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu has handed 58 rescued kidnap victims over to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to be passed to the Kaduna State government.
They comprise 35 males and 23 females, including children.
Gen. Musa, who presented them to the Chief of Staff in the Kaduna State government, Sani Limankila, said no money was paid for their release but the combined efforts of the military and other security services made it possible.
Musa said the operation was both kinetic and non-kinetic, with efforts by all and not just the military.
He said, “For us to succeed, we need all Nigerians to take ownership of this operation, and that is what is happening. What we are seeing out of this number is the success of collaboration right from the top, from the presidency, Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Defence, all agencies working together, including the state government.
“The governor has been very supportive and very helpful and it is this collaborative effort that has made it possible, and now I want Nigerians to understand that if we do not come together to work, it will be extremely difficult for us to succeed. The success depends on all of us working together. It’s a whole-of-society approach.”
He said there were certain individuals trying to make it impossible for the government to succeed.
“They are doing everything possible to sabotage the efforts of the government, that will not happen,” he added.
He said the security agencies were working round the clock to make sure Nigerians feel safe and protected.
“Today is Saturday, many people would have wanted to be home, relaxing, but we are working. Saturday, Sunday, day and night and all Nigerians have keyed up, and everybody is contributing to the success we are seeing. I want to inform Nigerians that we will continue to work hard together. We will not leave any stone unturned until every Nigerian in captivity is freed. Nigerians are free to move about within the country, both day and night as it used to be.
“We assure Nigerians that we’re getting all the support to ensure that we work, and we assure Mr. President that we’ll do everything possible until we succeed, we’ll continue to push.”
He commended the Kaduna State governor for his support and urged other governors to key in.
He stated that contrary to beliefs, not all persons involved in banditry are willing tools.
“I want to also inform Nigerians that some of them were forced into it, and it is those ones that are with them. We are going after those perpetrators, they will not be let free. For the innocent blood they have shed, for those that have restricted their freedom, we will get them back, and they will face the law. I assure Nigerians that we’re not taking anything lightly.”
The coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Center, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims were kidnapped from their homes and farms in Gayam, Sabon layi and Kwaga villages of Dan Musa local government area of Katsina State.
He said following their abduction, troops of 1 Division on November 14 at about 15:00hrs successfully led a joint operation leading to their rescue.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that they were kidnapped by bandits under the command of a notorious bandit called Janvros.
“During the kidnap, the victims were made to trek for hundreds of kilomiters to the thick forest in Birnin Gwari.
He said after their rescue, the government provided them the necessary assistance required to stabilise them for subsequent handing over to ONSA for rehabilitation and immediate medical checkups, where they have been examined and six were admitted.
Limankila thanked the security agencies and called on all Nigerians to team up with them to end kidnapping.
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