Charles Esther
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has officially transferred 128 kidnap victims rescued from bandits’ camps in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State to the state authorities.
National Counter-Terrorism Centre Confirms Rescue
The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, revealed this development on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting the victims to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Security Operations Conducted in Two Phases
Laka explained that the victims were freed through coordinated security operations carried out in two separate phases earlier in August.
First Batch of Rescued Victims
The first group of 42 people, consisting of 14 men, 27 women, and a toddler, was rescued on August 14.
Second Batch of Victims Freed
Another 88 individuals, made up of 34 men and 54 women, regained freedom on August 19.
Child Dies and Woman Gives Birth During Rescue
Tragically, one child in the second group died due to illness likely caused by fatigue during captivity.
Additionally, a woman gave birth prematurely after the rescue, and both mother and newborn are receiving medical attention.
ONSA Provides Post-Rescue Support
Since their release, the victims have been under the care of ONSA where they received medical treatment, psychological support, and rehabilitation services.
Zamfara Government to Begin Reintegration
Laka noted that the victims are now being handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reintegration with their families and communities.
