Lieutenant General H.H , Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior received Mohammad Khamis Majid, who was kidnapped in Nigeria, as he arrived today evening back to the country, after he was freed by the Ministry of Interior. Sheikh Saif was accompanied by relatives of Mohammad as well as the members of the team who freed the Emirati hostage.
Sheikh Saif extended his thanks and appreciation to the family of Mohammad Khamis for its cooperation with the police team that was assigned with the task of releasing Mohammad. He also expressed his appreciation to the family for maintaining top confidentiality of the release operation which contributed to the success and safe return of the hostage.
With simple, meaningful words, Mohammad's mother expressed her feelings saying: "I have been waiting for two months, counting the hours and minutes; hoping for news that pacify my worries, and vanquish my fears for my youngest son, who traveled to Nigeria. He was destined to be kidnapped by a gang.”
She started her words with tears filling her eyes. She expressed her gratitude and appreciation to Lieutenant General H.H Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior: "His Highness called me over the phone and told me the happy news, ending 60 days of sadness and sorrow and heavy burden off my shoulders."
"H.H. told me the news, and I could not hold myself together. Moreover, I was not surprised by H.H. noble manners as he was raised in the school of our great father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. H.H. conveyed to me the happy news saying thank God, your son is free, expect him back home within a day God willing," She added.
"I could not believe my ears, and my heart became too light. I was happy for two things: the first was the call by Sheikh Saif telling me about the happy news and conveying the greetings of His Highness the President of the UAE; His Highness Vice-president, Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council; and His Highness the Crown Prince," she continued.
"The second reason for my happiness was the freeing of my son and his impending arrival on Mothers' Day. It was the most precious gift I ever received on this day in my life. However, the care of their Highnesses, Rulers of the UAE, was no surprise to me, as they follow the path set by the late Sheikh Zayed, and followed by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi," she noted.
She recalls that ominous day and she kept on praying for those who stood by her side supporting her during the crisis, especially H.H. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior. She says: "my son traveled for a two-day business trip, but the trip took two months.”
"I still remember the day he departed; it was the 20th of January. He called me upon his arrival to Nigeria and said he would come back after two days once he finishes his business. That was the last call we received from him. His brothers, his wife, and all of us tried to call his phone but it was switched off. We went to the airport on the day he said he would return, but he did not arrive. So, we wrote to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who initiated the search immediately.”
Mohammad's mother did not forget to thank all those who worked in the security agencies, the "unknown soldiers" as she described them, for their efforts in freeing her beloved son and bringing him back home to his family and his only son, Hamdan 3 years old, who kept waiting for his father to return with anxiety as he was not used to his absence.
"I would like to thank all the mothers who stood by me and were praying for my son's safety, and I would like to greet t