Families of 128 kidnap victims rescued by security forces in two different operations in Kaura Namoda in Zamfara State were in celebrating mood on Tuesday 26 August, 2025 in Abuja as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, handed over the victims to them.
The National Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, while presenting the victims to Ribadu, in Abuja on Tuesday, explained that the victims were freed during coordinated security operations carried out in two phases earlier in August.
Laka disclosed that the first group of victims — 42 individuals comprising 14 males, 27 females, and a toddler — were rescued on August 14.
The second group, according to him, comprising 88 individuals made up of 34 males and 54 females, was freed on August 19.
“Unfortunately, among the second group, we lost one of the children due to illness, likely from the fatigue they suffered while in captivity.
“In addition, one of the women gave birth prematurely after the rescue, and the baby is currently receiving medical attention, ” Laka added.
He noted that since their rescue, the victims have been under the care of the ONSA, where they received psychological support, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.
“With their recovery process ongoing, we are now handing them over to the Zamfara State Government for reintegration with their families and communities,” Laka added.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, said the victims would be treated for trauma and helped to settle down in their communities.
The NSA, while commending security forces, assured that the perpetrators would be hunted and brought to justice.
