The Office of the National Security Adviser has handed over 128 victims rescued from bandits’ camps in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State to the state government.
The victims were presented on Tuesday in Abuja by the National Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Laka explained that the hostages were freed during coordinated security operations conducted in two phases earlier in August.
According to him, the first group of victims, 42 individuals comprising 14 males, 27 females, and a toddler, were rescued on August 14.
The second group, comprising 88 individuals made up of 34 males and 54 females, was freed on August 19.
“Unfortunately, among the second group, we lost one of the children due to illness, likely from the fatigue they suffered while in captivity.
“In addition, one of the women gave birth prematurely after the rescue, and the baby is currently receiving medical attention,” Laka added.
He said the rescued victims had been under the care of the ONSA, receiving psychological support, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.
“With their recovery process ongoing, we are now handing them over to the Zamfara State Government for reintegration with their families and communities,” he said.