Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has handed over 128 kidnapped victims rescued from bandits’ camps in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State to their respective families.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, said the victims were freed during coordinated security operations carried out in two phases earlier in August.
While presenting the victims to the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, Luka said the victims were rescued in two phases earlier in August. The first group consisted of 42 individuals, including 14 males, 27 females, and a toddler, rescued on August 14.
He added that the second group comprised 88 individuals, including 34 males and 54 females, rescued on August 19.
Luka also said that one child died due to illness likely caused by fatigue during captivity.
”Additionally, one of the rescued women gave birth prematurely, and the baby is receiving medical attention, ” said.
On his part, the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, commending security agencies for their successful operations.
The NSA vowed to track down and bring the perpetrators of kidnappings to justice, emphasising that there wiuldl be no safe haven for those who terrorize citizens.
Ribadu also emphasised the nation’s collective resolve to create a more secure environment for every citizen, saying that the rescue was a remarkable achievement and a testament to the nation’s determination.
The NSA also emphasised the importance of reuniting families and communities affected by kidnappings, providing support to victims to rebuild their lives.
“More innocent Nigerians are being rescued from the hands of criminals who sought to deny them their freedom,” the NSA said.
He further said, “Today a total of 128 persons were rescued from Kaura Namoda. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament or resolve as a nation.
“It is not just about their return; it is about reaffirming our collective resolve as a nation to create a more secure environment for every single person living within the territorial boundaries of our country.
“This work will continue; there will be no respite in our operations. There will be no safe haven for those who terrorise our citizens. We will hunt them and bring them to justice”, he added.
The rescued victims would receive medical treatment, psychological support, and rehabilitation to help them reintegrate into their communities.
