National Security Adviser Cautions Against Payment Of Ransom to Kidnappers, Hands Over 60 Rescued Kidnapped Victims

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, in a declaration of operational progress by the military announced the successful rescue of 60 kidnapped victims by the Nigerian security agencies.

While handing over the rescued victims to their families at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, the NSA strongly cautioned against the payment of ransom to kidnappers, describing it as one of the biggest enablers of criminal activity in the country.

He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks and restoring peace and security across all regions.

“All rescued victims will undergo medical evaluation before being reunited with their families, the success of the operation was made possible through enhanced collaboration among security agencies"

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, commended the consistent support of President Bola Tinubu and applauded the leadership of the NSA as well as the synergy among the armed forces and other security stakeholders. 

He called on citizens to remain vigilant and to share credible intelligence that can support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

"The federal government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and criminality, urging the public to avoid actions that could empower or embolden criminal groups"

Earlier while handing the victims over to the NSA and the Defence Minister, the Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka said the victims comprising 35 males and 25 females were rescued on Sunday, April 7, by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in a coordinated operation supported by other security and intelligence agencies.

He said the victims were abducted from Darei, Zango Kataf, and Kagarko Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

The rescued individuals included a Deputy Director with the National Assembly Service Commission, Ishaya Kukawa who was abducted from his residence in Kubwa, Abuja.