NSA vows to sustain fight against terrorists as 128 Zamfara kidnap victims regain freedom

National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on Tuesday reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to an unrelenting campaign against terrorists and kidnappers until their complete defeat.

Speaking in Abuja during the handover of 128 victims rescued from kidnappers in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, Ribadu declared, “There will be no respite in our operations. We will hunt, find, and bring these criminals to justice, ensuring no safe haven for those who terrorize our citizens.”

Ribadu hailed the rescue as “a triumph for Nigerians and a significant setback for terror networks threatening national peace.”

He praised the Armed Forces, Police, intelligence agencies, and other operatives, stating, “Your dedication reflects our revitalized national security strategy.”

He also urged against exploiting victims’ suffering for political gain, calling on religious, political, and community leaders to unite in support of the victims.

National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, detailed that the victims were freed in two operations: 42 individuals (40 males, seven females, and a toddler) on August 14, and 88 others (34 males and 54 females) on August 19.

Tragically, Laka noted, “One child from the second batch succumbed to illness and exhaustion endured in captivity.”

He added that a premature baby born to one of the rescued women is receiving care in an incubator.

The victims, who received medical treatment, psychological support, and rehabilitation under the Office of the NSA (ONSA), were formally handed over on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, lauded the rescue efforts and encouraged the victims to pursue education, saying, “Your rescuers succeeded because of their education. See this freedom as a chance to build your future.”

Abdullahi Salisu, one of the freed victims, recounted their ordeal, stating, “Some of us were held for 42 days, others longer, without food until our rescue. We thank God and the government for our freedom.”