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Stop Funding Kidnappers — NSA Ribadu Warns Families, As 60 Kaduna Hostages Freed
National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has cautioned families and communities across the country to desist from paying ransom to kidnappers, insisting that such payments only fuel the criminal enterprise and embolden perpetrators.
Ribadu gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during a formal handover of over 60 victims recently rescued from captivity in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, following sustained military operations. Among the freed captives are a Deputy Director in the civil service and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who had spent over a month in captivity.
“Let me urge families and communities to stop paying ransom to these criminals,” Ribadu said. “We have never paid money to secure the release of any victim. Each payment only encourages them to keep going. The more you give, the more they demand.”
The rescued victims—35 males and 29 females and children—were officially handed over to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during the brief but emotional ceremony.
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Ribadu praised the resilience and commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, describing their efforts as the backbone of the successful rescue mission.
“Let me specially commend our armed forces and security services. Their tireless pursuit of these criminals is the reason we are here today,” he stated. “And thanks to the commitment of Mr. President, we are making progress daily. However, the release of victims is not the end. We will continue to pursue these perpetrators and ensure they face justice.”
In his remarks, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar lauded the security agencies for their coordinated efforts and called on Nigerians to support the fight against insecurity by providing timely and actionable intelligence.
“The security agencies, under the coordination of the NSA, have been working round the clock,” he said. “I thank Nigerians for their trust and the useful information they provide. We ask for continued support.”
The successful operation marks another milestone in the government’s effort to combat kidnapping and insurgency, as authorities double down on strategies that prioritize intelligence gathering, tactical precision, and community engagement over ransom
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