The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has praised the efforts of Nigeria’s security forces for their gallantry and professionalism in rescuing former Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), retired Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga, Ambassador Gideon Yohana, and 17 other victims.
While receiving the rescued individuals, Ribadu expressed his gratitude for the role of the security and intelligence agencies involved in the operation.
He remarked, “We have done it again. This time, it involves very powerful, important personalities who served this country, who did well for all of us. Gen. Tsiga is here. He was in charge of our NYSC at one point, a military general. Our ambassador is here and a couple of others, and we thank God for their lives. We are grateful to those who made it possible, and this is an ongoing effort.”
He emphasized the quiet, ongoing efforts of the authorities, saying, “We are doing it quite silently. We will go after the bad ones. This is not the end of the story. These people are rescued, but those perpetrators will pay for it dearly.”
Ribadu also highlighted the significant progress made under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, stating, “Significant achievements have been made under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. In one year and 10 months, we have literally changed the whole narrative. Now the bad people are feeling it, and we will not relent until the end of this.”
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, also expressed appreciation to Ribadu for his support in facilitating the synergy among the armed forces and security agencies, ensuring Nigeria’s safety.
Musa assured Nigerians, saying, “We will go after them wherever they are, and we can see that we are getting results. One year, 10 months, Nigeria is getting better. It is not going to be automatic, but together as Nigerians, we will take this challenge, as a Nigerian challenge. We must all put our hands together to ensure that we have success by supporting Mr. President and the security forces.”
He further added, “We want every Nigerian to feel free in his own country to enjoy the benefits of being Nigerians.”
The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, provided more details about the rescue operation.
He explained that the victims, including Amb. Gideon Yohana, who was kidnapped on January 22 from Dutsen Bako Village in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were rescued from Gadan Maga village in the same local government.
Laka mentioned that the victims received medical care from the NCTC clinic and were now ready to be reunited with their families and communities.
Ambassador Yohana, speaking on behalf of the rescued victims, expressed his gratitude to the security services, saying, “The security agencies had been working quietly behind the scenes, adding that there was some quietness in the North West due to the hard work of the military and other security forces. We know that they are going to continue to work to ensure that our nation achieves peace.”
Reflecting on his own experience, the former NYSC DG, Tsiga, who shared his ordeal, credited his survival to divine intervention.
“It was the mercy of God that kept me alive,” Tsiga said, further praising the military and security agencies for their tireless work in rescuing the kidnapped victims without harm.
