The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday received 60 persons who were rescued from captivity in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army, following a coordinated military operation.
The victims, who had been in captivity for over a month, include a Deputy Director at the National Assembly Service Commission, Mr Adesanya Michael, who was abducted from his home in Kubwa, Abuja, and Mr Ishaya Kuka, a brother to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Matthew Hassan Kukah.
The 60 rescued victims—comprising 35 males and 25 females and children—were formally handed over to the NSA and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during a brief but emotional ceremony in Abuja.
The Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj, conducted the handover. Gen. Adamu Laka, who said the operation took place on Sunday, 7 April and was executed by troops of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security and intelligence agencies.
Speaking at the ceremony, the NSA strongly cautioned Nigerians against the payment of ransom to kidnappers, warning that such practice only emboldens criminal elements.
“Let me urge families and communities to stop paying ransom to these criminals,” Ribadu said. “We have never paid money to secure the release of any victim. Each payment only encourages them to keep going. The more you give, the more they demand.”
He went on to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security services for their dedication and sacrifice in tackling insecurity across the country.
“Let me specially commend our armed forces and security services. Their tireless pursuit of these criminals is why we are here today,” Ribadu stated.
He also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting support of the country’s security operations.
“Thanks to the commitment of Mr President, we are making progress daily. However, the release of victims is not the end. We will continue to pursue these perpetrators and ensure they face justice,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, echoed the NSA’s position and called for stronger public support in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
“The security agencies, under the coordination of the NSA, have been working round the clock. I thank Nigerians for their trust and for providing vital information that aids our efforts. We ask for continued support, especially through actionable intelligence,” he stated.
The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical and psychological assessments before being reunited with their families.
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