We Ate Raw Maize, Wild Fruits Once A Day - Freed Kidnap Victims Recount Their Ordeal

Nigerian authorities have revealed how 58 kidnapped victims were rescued from a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Federal Government handed over the rescued individuals to the Kaduna State Government after thorough health evaluations.

The victims, comprising 23 females and 35 males, were abducted during separate attacks in Danja Local Government Area of Katsina State and subsequently taken to the forests of Birnin Gwari in Kaduna.

Among the freed captives, the eldest was 65-year-old Ibrahim Audu, while the youngest was an infant less than a year old, whose mother had been abducted three months earlier.

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), attributed the success of the operation to inter-agency collaboration, intelligence gathering from locals, and support from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

“First and foremost, I thank Almighty Allah for this victory. I also appreciate the President for providing maximum support, enabling us to achieve this feat,” said General Musa.

He criticized the kidnappers, questioning their motives: “What ransom can a kidnapper expect from victims who barely have food or water? Their actions are rooted in wickedness and cruelty.”

General Musa reassured Nigerians of continued efforts to combat terrorism, urging citizens to provide information about suspicious activities. He confirmed that no ransom was paid for the release of the victims, highlighting that the rescue was a result of sustained military efforts.

“Upon rescue, the victims were examined by doctors, given necessary medication, and provided with food and clothing as they were severely malnourished,” Musa stated.

Sani Liman Kila, Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, emphasized the importance of non-kinetic measures like peaceful dialogue in securing the release of abductees. “This success is a testament to the collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, and communities,” he said.

Recounting their ordeal, one male victim, who had been in captivity for over a year, expressed his gratitude for being freed.

“I never thought I would regain freedom. We survived on raw maize and wild fruits, often rationed for two days. I’m eager to reunite with my family,” he said.

A female victim narrated the traumatic experience of being abducted alongside her two children.

“The terrorists attacked us at home and shot my husband in the leg. Life in captivity was unbearable. They demanded ransom amounts that our relatives could never afford,” she lamented.

Reports suggest many more victims remain in captivity across the country. The government has reiterated its commitment to rescuing all abductees and reuniting them with their families, emphasizing the importance of collective security awareness among citizens.