By Nkechi Eze
Nigeria recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against terrorism and banditry as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) announced the rescue of 128 hostages abducted by criminal groups in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The victims, made up of men, women, and children, were formally presented in Abuja before being handed over to the Zamfara State Government for reintegration.
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, hailed the rescue operation as a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s renewed security architecture under the current administration. He stressed that beyond the physical rescue, government was committed to restoring hope and dignity to survivors of terror.
“This is not just about their return,” Ribadu declared. “Each rescue is a victory for the Nigerian people and a crushing blow to terror networks. Let me be unequivocally clear: this work will continue. There will be no safe haven for those who terrorize our citizens.”
He assured that the survivors would immediately undergo medical treatment, trauma counseling, and rehabilitation to aid their healing process before being reunited with their families. According to him, this approach reflects government’s deliberate strategy to combine kinetic operations with humanitarian support, ensuring that rescued citizens are not only freed but also empowered to rebuild their lives.
Providing operational details, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka, explained that the rescue was conducted in three phases. On 14 August, 42 persons were freed, comprising 14 males, 27 females, and a toddler. Another batch was released on 19 August. The final and largest phase took place on 20 August, when 88 persons were rescued, including 34 males and 54 females.
General Laka disclosed that one child among the second group unfortunately died from illness and exhaustion sustained in captivity. In another tragic case, a rescued woman went into premature labor immediately after her release, and her newborn is currently being cared for in an incubator. “These incidents remind us of the harsh realities of captivity,” he said. “But they also strengthen our resolve to ensure that no Nigerian is abandoned in the hands of criminals.”
The NSA also used the occasion to firmly dismiss widespread reports alleging that 35 of the abducted persons had been executed in captivity. He insisted that the victims themselves confirmed the claims were false. “We must guard against misinformation,” Ribadu cautioned. “False reports not only cause panic but also undermine the morale of our people and the credibility of security operations.”
The presentation ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tampo Nunu; the Chairman, Senate Committee on Intelligence and Security; heads of security agencies; and senior government officials.
Dr. Nunu commended the gallantry of the security forces and reassured the rescued hostages that they would receive comprehensive humanitarian support, including healthcare, counseling, and reintegration assistance. “Your safe return is a sign that the darkness is truly receding. It is proof that Nigeria is winning this battle, step by step, life by life,” the Minister said, drawing applause from attendees.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the fight against terrorism, while calling on citizens to remain vigilant and proactive. Ribadu appealed to Nigerians to continue to provide timely and actionable intelligence to the security forces, noting that community cooperation remains a cornerstone of effective counterterrorism.
The event concluded with solemn prayers for peace, unity, and national security, after which the rescued citizens were formally handed over to Zamfara State authorities for onward reintegration into their communities.
Officials stressed that while the rescue was a major success, it also underscored the urgency of sustained vigilance and cooperation. “This achievement is proof that when government, security forces, and citizens unite, terrorism and banditry cannot prevail,” Ribadu said.
