National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has officially handed over 59 rescued kidnap victims to the Kaduna State Government.
The victims, primarily women and children, were freed by a joint operation between military and intelligence agencies along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, specifically in the Rijana area of Kaduna State. The operation was coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The handover took place during a brief ceremony at the ONSA office in Abuja on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, and was attended by Governor Uba Sani’s Chief of Staff, Sani Liman Kila, who represented the governor.
Ribadu provided details of the victims, which included 28 females, 24 males, and 6 children. One individual was reportedly hospitalized. He assured that the federal government was diligently working to secure the release of other kidnapped victims still in captivity.
Ribadu emphasized the commitment of the government in restoring peace and security across the country, noting the ongoing efforts under the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are here today to continue our joint operation, working together to bring peace, security, and normalcy back to Nigeria,” Ribadu stated. “Thousands of individuals have been freed, and the work of President Tinubu has helped restore freedom and safety.”
He also highlighted that such operations are ongoing across the nation and thanked all those involved, including the armed forces, intelligence community, and police.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), mentioned that some of the victims had been held captive for over four months before their rescue.
Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, represented by Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, commended the Kaduna State Government for its exceptional cooperation with the federal government. He described Kaduna as one of the most insecure states in recent years but noted that it has now become one of the safest due to the strong partnership between federal and state authorities.
“The collaboration between the federal government and Kaduna State has led to significant improvements in security,” Oluyede said. “This partnership has been one of the greatest achievements in the country’s fight against insecurity.”
The governor of Kaduna State expressed his gratitude to both President Tinubu and the NSA for their continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
