The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has accused certain individuals of deliberately undermining government efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria. General Musa made this assertion on Saturday during the formal handover of 58 rescued kidnapping victims to the Kaduna State Government.
The victims, including 35 males and 23 females, were rescued on November 14, 2024, by troops from the 1 Division. They were abducted from villages in Dan Musa Local Government Area, Katsina State, by suspected armed bandits.
Condemnation of Saboteurs
Speaking at the event, General Musa condemned the actions of the abductors, emphasizing the cruelty of targeting vulnerable individuals, including women, children, and the elderly. “Why would anyone kidnap such vulnerable individuals? This shows deliberate attempts to undermine the government’s progress in tackling insecurity,” he remarked.
Musa asserted that while some involved in banditry were forcibly conscripted, the actual masterminds behind these heinous acts would face justice. “For the innocent lives disrupted and the blood spilled, we will ensure those responsible are brought to book,” he declared.
No Ransom Paid for Release
The Defence Chief confirmed that no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release, describing the operation as a successful collaboration using non-kinetic methods. He urged Nigerians to work closely with security agencies, stating, “Combating insecurity requires a whole-of-society approach.”
Insights Into the Abduction
National Counter-Terrorism Centre Coordinator, Major General Adamu Laka, revealed that the victims were kidnapped by bandits under a notorious leader known as JANBROS. The abductees were forced to trek hundreds of kilometers to a remote forest in Birnin Gwari before their rescue.
General Laka noted that the government provided comprehensive support to stabilize the victims, including rehabilitation and medical care. “Six victims required hospital treatment but have since recovered and joined the others for the handover to their families,” he said.
Call for Cooperation
Sani Limankila, the Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, expressed gratitude to security agencies for their efforts. He called on Nigerians to support security operations aimed at eradicating kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in the country.
General Musa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity, emphasizing that the perpetrators’ efforts to destabilize the nation would ultimately fail.
