NSA Cautions Against Politising Insecurity as 128 Hostages Reunites with Families
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Tuesday reunited 128 rescued victims of bandit captivity with their families in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.
Speaking during the presentation of the rescued victims in Abuja, Ribadu said the operation was a remarkable achievement and “a testament to our resolve as a nation.”
He stressed that the exercise was not just about bringing the victims home but also about providing healing, reintegration, and renewed hope.
“Today is not just about their return, it is about reaffirming our collective resolve as a nation to create a more secure environment for every Nigerian. Healing is as important as the rescue itself. These victims will be treated for trauma and supported to reintegrate into their families and communities,” Ribadu said.
The NSA commended the courage and professionalism of the armed forces, police, intelligence services, and local communities who played a role in the rescue operations.
He noted that similar efforts in recent months had reunited many hostages with their families, describing each rescue as “a crushing blow to the networks of terror that seek to undermine our peace.”
Ribadu, however, appealed for unity, urging Nigerians to take politics out of the tragedy of banditry and kidnapping. “The pain of victims should never be turned into a tool for partisan gain. I call on religious leaders, political leaders, civil society and community influencers to rise above division and work together in the spirit of unity and compassion,” he said.
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The NSA vowed that operations against terrorists and bandits would continue without respite.
“We will hunt them, we will find them, and we will bring them to justice, or they will meet the same fate as the many kingpins already neutralized by our forces,” he declared.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, explained that the victims were rescued in two separate operations. The first batch, comprising 42 individuals, was freed on August 14, while the second batch of 86 was rescued on August 19.
He disclosed that one child died from illness and extreme fatigue while in captivity, while a rescued woman gave birth prematurely, with her baby currently receiving medical care.
“All victims have received immediate medical attention, psychological support, and rehabilitation under the supervision of the ONSA,” Laka said.
Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, also addressed the victims, advising them to embrace education as a tool for empowerment.
He noted that the professionalism of security operatives who secured their release was made possible through knowledge and training, stressing that education remained the strongest weapon against insecurity and poverty.
Reacting to unconfirmed reports that some of the captives were killed, Ribadu dismissed the claims, noting that none of the 128 rescued victims had reported such.
One of the freed victims, Abdullahi Salisu, who recounted his ordeal, said he spent 42 days in captivity under starvation before being rescued. “I thank God for saving our lives,” he said tearfully.
By PRNigeria
