The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday formally handed over 128 kidnap victims rescued from bandits’ camps in Zamfara State to the state government.
The victims, made up of men, women, and children, were freed in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area during a series of coordinated security operations earlier this month.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, explained that the rescue was carried out in two separate phases.
“The first phase was on August 14, when 42 people were freed — 14 men, 27 women, and a toddler. The second operation, conducted on August 19, led to the rescue of 88 others, comprising 34 men and 54 women,” Laka said.
He added that the victims had been under the care of the Office of the NSA since their rescue, receiving medical care, psychological support, and rehabilitation.
“Sadly, we lost one child due to illness, most likely from the hardship endured in captivity. Also, one of the women delivered a baby prematurely after her release. Thankfully, both mother and child are receiving the necessary medical attention,” he disclosed.
Speaking during the handover, NSA Ribadu commended security agencies for the successful operation and assured that government remains committed to dismantling criminal networks across the country.
“These rescues show that Nigeria is making steady progress in the fight against banditry and terrorism. We will not relent until citizens can live freely in their communities without fear,” Ribadu said.
The Zamfara State Government is expected to begin the process of reuniting the victims with their families and reintegrating them into their communities.