Four abducted siblings from Kaduna State have been rescued and reunited with their family.
The rescue operation was announced by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, on Monday night.
According to Abdulaziz, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, played a key role in securing the children’s release.
Though details of the operation remain classified, it has been confirmed that no ransom was paid to the kidnappers.
The children, all from Keke A in Chikun Local Government Area, were taken from their home last Tuesday.
Their father, Adamu Yunusa, was out visiting his wife, who was caring for their sick twins in a nearby hospital when the abduction occurred.
Yunusa later received a chilling phone call from the kidnappers, demanding a ransom of N300 million.
The abductors threatened to kill the children if their demands were not met.
After tense negotiations, the ransom demand was reduced to N25 million.
Despite the pressure, security forces, led by Ribadu, executed a swift and coordinated rescue mission.
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, Ribadu handed over the rescued children to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani.
“We are happy to report that the rescued victims are healthy and have been reunited with their families,” Ribadu announced.
He expressed pride in the security agencies’ efforts, emphasizing that “not a single kobo was paid as ransom.”
Governor Sani was visibly moved as he thanked Ribadu for his leadership and commitment.
“This success is a testament to the sincerity and trust within our security framework,” Sani remarked.
He attributed the success of the operation to what he called the “Kaduna Model,” a strategy focused on trust and collaboration.
According to Sani, the bandits were willing to cooperate because they sensed the government’s genuine approach.
The governor also pledged continued support for security forces under the NSA’s office.
Ribadu assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to rescuing all those still held in captivity.
He also expressed gratitude to the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies for their contributions.
“The fight against kidnapping and banditry is far from over, but this is a step in the right direction,” Ribadu added.
The reunion of the children with their family was an emotional moment.
For Adamu Yunusa, it was a nightmarish week that ended in relief.
“I had lost hope at some point,” Yunusa confessed. “But seeing my children again is a miracle.”
The Kaduna abduction highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria.
Kidnappings for ransom have become a frequent occurrence, especially in northern states.
The government’s stance on refusing to pay ransoms marks a shift in its strategy against criminal elements.
Security analysts have praised the latest operation as a morale booster for the nation.
“This sends a strong message to kidnappers that the government is serious about protecting its citizens,” said security expert Abdulrahman Bawa.
Despite the success, concerns remain about the safety of other victims still in captivity.
Ribadu’s assurance offers some comfort, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
Governor Sani urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces.
“We all have a role to play in making our communities safer,” Sani stressed.
The Kaduna rescue mission stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against insecurity.
For the Yunusa family, it is a story of resilience and faith amid adversity.
Their ordeal may be over, but for many Nigerians, the struggle continues.
As the nation applauds this victory, the focus now shifts to ensuring such incidents become a thing of the past.
