Kidnappers, Their Collaborators Will Face Justice — NSA Ribadu
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has vowed that perpetrators of kidnapping and their collaborators will face the full wrath of the law, stressing that there will be no sanctuary for criminals within or outside Nigeria.
Ribadu gave this assurance on Friday in Abuja while formally handing over 19 recently rescued kidnap victims to their families. Among them were Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (rtd), a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and Ambassador Gideon Yohana, Nigeria’s former Deputy Head of Mission to South Africa.
Describing the victims as “symbols of collective sacrifice,” Ribadu condemned the persistence of abductions despite ongoing security interventions, but promised intensified operations to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
“These people have been rescued, but the criminals behind their ordeal will not go unpunished. Our operations continue — quietly, strategically — and we will not relent until they are held accountable,” Ribadu stated.
He commended the security forces for the successful rescue mission and attributed recent progress in the fight against insecurity to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is a work in progress, but significant strides have been made. On behalf of President Tinubu, we appreciate the dedication of our armed forces and all security agencies,” the NSA added.
The rescued individuals were officially handed over to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who pledged that the military remains committed to the safety of every Nigerian.
“This is not a job for the government alone. We must all contribute — through vigilance, cooperation, and information sharing. If you see something wrong, report it, including any misconduct by security personnel,” the CDS urged.
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General Musa thanked the public, civil society groups, and the media for their ongoing support and advocacy. Addressing the rescued victims, especially Brig. Gen. Tsiga, he expressed relief at their safe return and reaffirmed that the hunt for the criminals continues.
In an emotional address, Brig. Gen. Tsiga recounted the harrowing conditions of his captivity.
“Where I was held, even animals were predators. A hyena roamed close by, and the criminals used us as shields during air raids. They even planted a rocket in my sleeping area, hoping it would explode. Yet, by the grace of God, I survived,” Tsiga recalled.
He urged Nigerians to actively support the security services, warning that safety cannot be guaranteed by government efforts alone.
“These criminals do not fear God — they only fear aircraft. That tells us the importance of strong, visible force. But even more, we must all share intelligence and take security as a shared responsibility,” he emphasized.
Tsiga described the ordeal as a life-defining experience, sharing how victims were fed just once a week and subjected to physical abuse.
“I am hypertensive, and the food we got was soaked in salt. That alone could kill. We must appreciate the sacrifices of those working to rescue us and support them however we can,” he said.
Earlier, Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), handed the rescued victims over to the NSA. He disclosed that the joint operation involved the military, Department of State Services (DSS), police, and other intelligence units, working tirelessly to ensure the hostages’ release without casualties.
The event marked another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping across the country.
By PRNigeria
