The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has handed over 128 kidnap victims rescued from bandits’ camps in Zamfara State to the state government.
The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, announced the development on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting the victims to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
According to him, the victims were freed during two phases of coordinated security operations earlier in August. The first group of 42 people — including 14 men, 27 women, and a toddler — was rescued on August 14. Another 88 victims, made up of 34 men and 54 women, were freed on August 19.
“Sadly, among the second group, one child died due to illness, most likely from fatigue suffered during captivity. Also, one of the rescued women gave birth prematurely after the operation, and the newborn is receiving medical attention,” Laka revealed.
He explained that since their rescue, the victims had been in the custody of ONSA, where they received medical treatment, psychological support, 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,” he added.
The development underscores Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against banditry and mass abductions, particularly in Zamfara, one of the states hardest hit by criminal gangs in recent years.
