The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has handed over 58 rescued kidnap victims to Kaduna State government.
The victims comprised 35 males, 23 females, children and toodlers.
Ribadu handed over the victims to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, for onward delivery to Kaduna State Government.
General Musa, who presented the victims to the Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State governor, Sani Liman Kila, said no ransom was paid for their rescue but for the combined efforts of the military and other security services.
CDS Musa said the operation was both kinetic and non-kinetic, which required efforts by all and not just the military kinetic efforts.
“For us to succeed, we need all Nigerians to take ownership of this operation, and that is what is happening. What we are seeing out of this number is the success of the collaboration right from the top, from the presidency, from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Defence to all agencies working together, including Kaduna State Government.”
He continued: “the governor has been very supportive and very helpful and it is this collaborative effort that has made it possible for us to be able to rescue the individuals.”
He stressed, “It’s a joint effort. We’re able to do that through non-kinetic means of getting across. No penny was paid for these individuals.”
He added, “and now I want Nigerians to understand that if we do not come together to work, it will make it extremely difficult for us to succeed. The success depends on all of us working together. It’s a whole-of-society approach.”
He, however, said that there were certain individuals trying to make it impossible for the government to succeed.