At least 58 people who were kidnapped by bandits in Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna State have been released.
They were released at about 3pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
There release was secured through the non-kinetic arrangement facilitated by the state Governor, Senator Uba Sani, in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
This is a significant operation, especially considering the surge in kidnappings in the area.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the one mechanised division, Major General Mayirenso Saraso, led the Joint rescue mission, demonstrating Governor Sani’s administration commitment to tackling insecurity in Kaduna State using non-kinetic approach in collaboration with security agencies.
Upon their release, the rescued victims mainly children and women were taken to the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu for debriefing after having undergone medical check up. They were later handed over to the chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa who in turn handed them over to Governor Uba Sani who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Sani Kila.
In an interview with newsmen, the Chief of Staff to the state Governor, Sani Kila, thanked President Bola Tinubu, the NSA and the Military for their unwavering support and untiring efforts towards tackling insecurity in Kaduna and the North West Zone
He said: “I just want to thank the president and commander in chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, the NSA, all the security agencies and most importantly the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani. He actually deserves accolades because he did a lot ensure the release of the victims.
“I want to also thank the religious leaders and traditional institution for their support, because security is everyone’s business. Let’s team up and fight this insecurity”.
Handing over the rescued victims to the representative of Governor Uba Sani, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the victims sustained injuries and were treated upon their release.
“Six of them had serious case and were treated. They were all fed well, clothed properly before being presented here. And so we hand over to you and we say thank you to His Excellency,” he said. (Blueprint)
