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Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has accused certain individuals of attempting to sabotage the government’s efforts to address insecurity in the country.
He stated that these unnamed individuals are deliberately attempting to undermine the government’s efforts, but vowed they would not succeed.
General Musa made these remarks on Saturday while receiving 58 rescued victims from the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for onward transmission to the Kaduna State Government.
PUNCH Online reports that the victims, kidnapped from their homes and farmlands in the Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga villages of Dan Musa Local Government Area in Katsina State, included 35 males and 23 females. They were rescued on 14 November 2024 by troops of the 1 Division.
Speaking at the event, Musa said, “You can see from these people — the women, the children, both girls and boys and even the little ones. The question is: why would anyone kidnap such vulnerable individuals? These are people barely surviving.
“This shows that there are individuals deliberately trying to undermine the government’s efforts. They are doing everything possible to sabotage the progress being made. But I assure you, they will not succeed.”
Musa also noted that contrary to popular belief, not everyone involved in banditry joined willingly, as some had been forcibly conscripted.
He added, “Some of these individuals were conscripted and forced into these activities. However, we are pursuing the actual perpetrators, and they will face justice.
“For the innocent blood they have spilled and the lives they have disrupted, we will ensure they are brought to book. I assure Nigerians that we are not taking this lightly.”
Discussing the rescue operation, Musa stressed that no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release. He also called on Nigerians to support security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
He said, “This was a joint effort achieved through non-kinetic means. No money was paid to secure their freedom.
“I urge Nigerians to understand that we can only succeed by working together. Combating insecurity requires a whole-of-society approach.”
The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, revealed that preliminary investigations indicated the victims were kidnapped by suspected armed bandits under the command of a notorious leader known as JANBROS.
He explained, “During the kidnapping, the victims were forced to trek hundreds of kilometres to the thick forest of Birnin Gwari.
“The government provided them with all necessary support for their stabilisation, including rehabilitation and medical check-ups. Six victims were admitted to hospital but have since recovered and joined the others for the handover to their respective families.”
The Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Sani Limankila, expressed gratitude to the security agencies and urged all Nigerians to cooperate with them to bring an end to kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.
