Chief of Defence Staff: Nigeria Committed to Resolving Insurgency, 58 Kidnap Victims Rescued

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has stated that certain individuals may be hindering the government’s efforts to end insurgency in the country. His remarks came on Saturday in Abuja, following the rescue of 58 individuals who had been abducted. The victims were handed over by National Security Advisor Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Addressing the gathering, General Musa expressed resolve, assuring that those obstructing the anti-terrorism mission would not succeed. “You can see from the people, the women, the children, both girls and boys… They are barely just surviving,” he said, questioning why such individuals would be targeted.

Musa clarified that, contrary to popular belief, not all banditry members joined voluntarily, with some reportedly forced into the ranks. He stressed that offenders would be held accountable under the law. “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 affirmed.

The CDS also noted that no ransom had been paid for the victims’ release, attributing the success to non-kinetic efforts. “It’s a joint effort. No penny was paid for these individuals,” he said.

According to Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, a preliminary investigation suggests that the victims were abducted by armed bandits led by a known figure, Janbros. The victims were reportedly forced to walk hundreds of kilometers into a dense jungle in Birnin Gwari during their abduction.

Laka added that all necessary support was provided to stabilize the victims, including immediate medical examinations. Six individuals initially admitted to the hospital have since recovered and joined the group for reunification with their families.

Kaduna State’s Chief of Staff, Sani Limankila, urged Nigerians to collaborate with security forces to help end the cycle of abduction. The rescued group of 35 men and 23 women had been taken from their homes and farms in the villages of Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga in Katsina State’s Dan Musa LGA. The Nigerian Army's 1 Division successfully carried out the rescue operation on November 14.