Ribadu hands over 58 kidnap victims to Kaduna government

Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), has handed over 58 persons rescued in joint security operations to the Kaduna state government.

NAN reports that Ribadu handed over the victims to Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), who presented them to representatives of the Kaduna state government.

Sani Limankila, the chief of staff to Uba Sani, Kaduna governor, received the rescued victims on behalf of the state government.

The CDS said no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom.

“The rescue is a result of the combined efforts of the military and other security services,” he said.

“The operation was both kinetic and non-kinetic, requiring efforts from all, not just military kinetic actions.

“What we are seeing is the success of collaboration from the top—from the presidency, the office of the national security adviser, the ministry of defence, and all agencies, including the Kaduna state government.

“The governor has been very supportive, and this effort made it possible to rescue these individuals.

“The success depends on all of us working together. It is a whole-of-society approach, and we will not leave any stone unturned until every Nigerian in captivity is freed.”

Adamu Laka, the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), said the victims were kidnapped from Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga villages in the Dan Musa LGA of Katsina state.

Laka said the joint operation, led by the Division 1 troops on November 14, rescued 35 males and 23 females.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the abduction was carried out by bandits under the command of a notorious figure named Janbros,” he said.

“The victims were made to trek hundreds of kilometres through Birnin Gwari’s thick forest.”

Laka noted that the victims received necessary assistance, including medical checkups, after their rescue.

“Six victims required hospitalisation but have since recovered and rejoined others for handover to their families,” he added.