The rescued victims. @HQNigerianArmy/X
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume have commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies for the successful rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The rescue operation, carried out by troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, brought an end to months of captivity for the victims, most of whom were women and children.
Reacting to the development in a post on X on Monday, Atiku described the rescue as a welcome relief for the victims and their families who had endured months of uncertainty and anguish.
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” Atiku wrote.
“Even as this brings to an end the ordeal of the abductees and the anguish of their loved ones since they were abducted in March, we are still faced with threats from terrorism and banditry attacks.”
The 2027 ADC presidential candidate acknowledged the efforts of the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, expressing confidence in their ability to end the insurgency if adequately supported.
“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees.
“I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring to an end the nearly two decades of insurgency.”
While celebrating the rescue, Atiku urged the Federal Government and security agencies not to relent in efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held by terrorists and bandits.
“Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 school children and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and all other Nigerians still in the custody of terrorists and bandits.”
He also called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security framework, stressing the importance of intelligence gathering, technology-driven operations and preventive measures.
“More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and preemptive actions that nips in the bud terrorist and banditry attacks before they are carried out.”
Similarly, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) praised the military, Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their contributions to the successful rescue of the captives.
The lawmaker noted that the victims had been held since March 3, 2026, when insurgents attacked a military formation in Ngoshe and abducted several civilians.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Ndume described the operation as highly commendable and expressed gratitude to all those involved.
“Alhamdulillah (we thank God), all the Ngoshe Captives have been released last night.
“I commend commend the Nigerian Army especially the Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the new GOC 7th Division Maiduguri, Brig Commander 26TF Brigade Gwoza and other security forces.
“The over 400 victims have been in captivity since 3rd March 2026, and I am very much happy to hear the good news of their safe release.”
The senator also praised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for supporting security operations and efforts to rebuild affected communities.
“Let me also commend the Governor of Borno State Prof Babagana Zulum for relentless effort in rebuilding Ngoshe and support to the military and the victims.
“More so, my appreciation goes to the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar for the release of relief materials to the displaced people.”
Ndume, however, called on security agencies to sustain the momentum by securing the release of schoolchildren recently abducted in Mussa village of Askira-Uba Local Government Area and other victims still in captivity.
“However, I urge the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts in rescuing the over 40 pupils/students who were recently abducted at their schools in Mussa village of Askira-Uba Local Government Area and many others still in captivity.”
He also appealed to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to support the Borno State Government in rebuilding Ngoshe and other communities devastated by Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks.
The reactions from both leaders underscore growing calls for sustained military pressure on terrorist groups and broader reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture while ensuring the safe return of all citizens still held captive.
