The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has alleged that certain individuals are hindering the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat insurgency in the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, after taking custody of 58 rescued kidnapping victims from the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, General Christopher Musa vowed that those sabotaging the fight against terrorism would be stopped.
He stated, “You can see the people—women, children, both girls and boys, including the little one.”
The question you want to ask is why would somebody kidnap these kinds of people? If you see them, they are barely just surviving.”
The defence chief stated that contrary to the belief of many Nigerians, not all who are involved in banditry joined willingly. According to him, some of them were conscripted.
He assured that the troops would ensure that the perpetrators face the wrath of the law.
The CDS said that they military is going after the perpetrators.
“For the innocent blood they have spilled, for those they have restricted their freedom, the security personnel will get back at them, and they will face the law,” he added.
Musa further explained that no ransom was paid to free the victims, and appealed to citizens to give the security agencies the needed support in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
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.”
The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Center, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, while speaking, stated that preliminary investigation had revealed that the victims were kidnapped by armed bandits under the command of a notorious terrorist, Janbros.
Laka explained that during the kidnap, the victims were made to trek for hundreds of kilometres to the thick forest of Birnin Gwari.
He pointed out that the government provided them with all the necessary assistance required to stabilise them, for subsequent handing over to the NSA for rehabilitation and immediate medical checkups.
Six of the rescued victims were admitted in hospital, he added.
Laka further explained that the six admitted victims have recovered and joined others for subsequent handing over to their respective families.
The Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor, Sani Limankila called on all Nigerians to team up with the security agencies to end kidnapping.
The victims were kidnapped from their homes and farmlands in Gayam, Sabon Layi and Kwaga villages of Dan Musa LGA of Katsina State.
Comprising 35 males and 23 females, they were rescued on November 14 by troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.
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