NSA Hands Over Rescued Kidnap Victims, Confirms Arrest of Notorious Criminals
By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News
25th September, 2025
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has handed over two women who were recently freed from kidnappers to their family following a successful rescue operation in Kaduna State. Security agencies have also confirmed the arrest of several notorious suspects believed to be behind violent crimes in different parts of the country.
Representing the NSA, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, presented the rescued victims, Khadijah and Fatimah Shehu Magaji, to their husband, Alhaji Shehu Magaji, in Abuja. The women were kidnapped on August 18, 2025, in Makarfi, Kaduna State, and held hostage in Yadi Forest, Giwa Local Government Area. While in captivity, Khadijah gave birth to a baby girl named Hafsat under extremely difficult conditions.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦500 million, which was later reduced to ₦200 million. However, through effective intelligence gathering and negotiation efforts, security forces successfully rescued the victims on September 19 without any ransom being paid. After their rescue, the women were handed over to officials of the Kaduna State Government for reintegration with their family and to receive necessary psychological support.
In another major breakthrough, security operatives arrested several suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, and murder. Among those in custody are Ibrahim Mohammed, also known as Alaye, and Adamu Mohammed, who are believed to be involved in the killing of a lawmaker in Gareywa and a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Gwagwalada, Abuja. Authorities revealed that the criminal network connected to the suspects has been operating across Delta, Kaduna, Kano, and Nasarawa States.
Maj.-Gen. Laka described the rescue and arrests as important achievements in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and violent crime. He emphasized that collaboration, intelligence sharing, and public support are vital to defeating insecurity and ensuring peace and stability across the nation.
