February 18, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government, on Tuesday, handed over 59 rescued kidnapped victims, including 28 females, 24 males and children, to the Kaduna State Government.
The victims, mostly women and children, were rescued along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, in the Rijana area of the state, by the joint security forces from the military and intelligence agencies, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, disclosed that some of the victims had been in captivity for over four months before they were rescued.
THEWILL reports that the National Security Adviser, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, handed over the rescued hostages to Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, at a brief ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.
The governor was represented at the ceremony by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ribadu said, “Yet again today, we have just received those who were rescued from captivity as a result of kidnapping by bandits. They are going back to their homes, we have seen them.
“About 59 or so people today. Last week, another number like that was reported, and it is ongoing across the country. It is also a joint operation of all the security forces under the directives of Mr. President.
“I would like to thank all those who are in charge or in the forefront of fighting to keep us safe in our country. The armed forces, the intelligence community, the civil police, all of us are working as one, and we are seeing the result.”
Governor Sani appreciated the “President and the NSA for the efforts being made to ensure the country is safe.”
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede was represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi.
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