Nigeria, July 13 -- In a statement issued on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), said the successful operation should signal the beginning of a sustained nationwide effort to rescue hundreds of Nigerians still being held by kidnappers.

"Every life matters". The joy of one family reunited must become the standard for every family still waiting in anguish.

"While we commend this rescue, we are reminded that hundreds of Nigerians are still missing, still suffering and still hoping".

"The state has a duty to protect the right to life and personal liberty of every citizen under Sections 33 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution," Ojukwu said.

He urged the Federal and State Governments, as well as security agencies,...