NSA Hands Over 59 Rescued Kidnap Victims to Kaduna Government

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has handed over 59 rescued kidnap victims to the Kaduna State Government. The victims, abducted from different parts of Kaduna, were freed along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway and formally handed over in Abuja on Tuesday.  

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ribadu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of other abductees still in captivity. He commended Kaduna State’s collaboration with security agencies, citing it as a model for federal-state cooperation in combating insecurity.  

“Kaduna State is an example of what will be the result of working together between the federal government and state. It’s probably one of the most abused states in terms of insecurity in the last couple of years, but today is one of the freest because of the relationship that we were able to work and establish between the federal government and the state. We want to thank Kaduna State Governor, particularly for his cooperation and indeed even the initiative that is getting us results.”

Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, also praised the Kaduna State Government for its effective partnership with security forces. 

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“Based on intelligence that we’ve been collecting, the NSA directed, we tie up with one division, Nigerian Army, who is the lead in Kaduna to conduct operations within the area which we’ve identified to rescue these people. One division was the lead in these operations.”

Similarly, Sani Kila, Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, acknowledged the security agencies’ efforts but stressed that insecurity remains a significant concern, with many Nigerians still at risk of abduction.  

“These captives were rescued along Abuja-Kadunaway, specifically at Rizjana, and through the airport of the various security agencies where the airport is yielding fruit. We shall commend all of them. The NSA have said it all.”

The rescued victims include 28 women, 24 men, and six children, with one currently hospitalised. Authorities have assured continued efforts to address the security challenges in the region.