59 kidnap victims have been rescued from captivity and handed over to the Kaduna State Government by Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA). The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, highlighting ongoing efforts to restore peace across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Ribadu credited the operation to the coordinated efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, acting 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,” he said.
The NSA noted that this latest rescue is part of a broader national security initiative that has seen thousands of victims regain their freedom.
He commended the collaborative efforts of the armed forces, intelligence community, police, and other security agencies, expressing optimism about the country’s journey towards lasting peace.
“Kaduna has been one of the most affected states in terms of insecurity, but today, it is becoming one of the safest due to the remarkable cooperation between the state and federal governments,” Ribadu added.
He specifically lauded the proactive role of Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State in supporting security operations. Representing the military at the event, G. Mbuishi (Major General) reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to the mission.
“The army, navy, air force, police, and intelligence agencies are fully committed to actualizing the President’s security mandate. This is just one step, and we believe more successes will follow,” he said.
The rescued victims, who were abducted along the Abuja-Kaduna Road, endured months of captivity in the Rajina area of Kaduna State. The successful operation was carried out by security operatives from the Nigerian Army’s One Division, working on intelligence provided by the NCTC.
Speaking on behalf of the Kaduna State Government, Sani Kila, the Chief of Staff to Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude for the federal government’s unwavering focus on security.
“This is the second time we are receiving freed captives. The last time, it was over 40 victims; today, we have 59. We commend President Tinubu and Governor Sani for their relentless efforts,” he said.
The victims recounted harrowing experiences in the hands of their captors, with some held for up to four months.
According to Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), many were abandoned by their abductors due to mounting pressure from security forces, while others managed to escape to nearby roads where police officers secured their rescue.
“The handover underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to combating kidnapping and banditry, especially along the notorious Abuja-Kaduna Road”, he stated.
The NSA assured Nigerians that operations would continue until peace is fully restored across the country.
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