By Bavoriat Clara
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has announced the successful rescue of 128 Nigerians abducted by criminal groups in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The victims, including men, women and children, were formally presented in Abuja before being handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reintegration into their families and communities.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described the rescue as a major step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace across the country.
He explained that the victims would receive medical attention, psychological support, and rehabilitation to aid their recovery after enduring the trauma of captivity.
Ribadu stressed that each successful rescue represented not only the liberation of innocent Nigerians but also a blow against terrorist and bandit groups seeking to undermine the nation’s security.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, gave a detailed account of the operation.
He explained that the rescue was carried out in phases and involved different groups of victims freed from the kidnappers’ camps. He revealed that 42 individuals were rescued on the 14th of August, followed by another group on the 19th, and a final set on the 20th of August which included 34 males and 54 females.
Sadly, one child from the second group died due to illness and exhaustion suffered in captivity, while one of the women rescued delivered a premature baby who is currently receiving intensive care in a medical facility.
The NSA also addressed reports alleging that 35 of the abductees had been killed, dismissing the claims as false. Ribadu confirmed that the victims themselves had denied such reports, describing them as malicious fabrications intended to cause fear and confusion among Nigerians.
He cautioned against spreading misinformation, warning that false narratives only serve the interests of criminal elements and undermine public trust in the country’s security agencies.
Ribadu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services and other intelligence and security agencies whose coordination and professionalism made the rescue possible.
He emphasized that the federal government remains committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is abandoned in the hands of criminals and vowed that there would be no safe haven for terrorists and bandits.
He assured that security operations will continue with determination, combining both military action and non-kinetic measures to address the root causes of insecurity.
In attendance at the handover ceremony were the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tampo Nunu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Intelligence and Security, senior officials of security agencies, and other government representatives.
The Minister commended the efforts of the NSA and security agencies, describing the development as evidence that progress is being made and that, in his words, “the darkness is truly receding.”
He further assured that humanitarian support, including medical care, trauma counseling, and welfare packages, had been arranged to assist the rescued victims in reintegrating into their communities.
The event concluded with prayers for peace and stability, with officials reaffirming the government’s determination to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.
Ribadu urged citizens to remain vigilant, provide timely information to security agencies, and resist attempts by criminals to spread fear and division. He reiterated that while challenges remain, Nigeria is on the path to reclaiming its security and rebuilding the confidence of its people.
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