THE presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has commended the successful rescue of 360 individuals who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers and insurgents.
The victims were rescued by troops of Operation HADIN KAI during a military operation in the Mandara Mountains, an area known to serve as a hideout for terrorist groups operating in southern Borno State.
The abductions occurred following an attack by Boko Haram fighters on a military base in Ngoshe.
During the assault, the insurgents reportedly destroyed military vehicles, overran the facility, killed several people, and abducted numerous residents from surrounding communities.
Atiku, however, reacting to the development in a statement shared on his X account today, expressed joy over the rescue, describing it as a welcome relief for both the victims and their families who had endured months of uncertainty since the incident took place in March.
“I am delighted by reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” Atiku stated.
He noted that while the rescue had brought an end to the suffering of the victims and eased the pain of their loved ones, the country continued to face significant security threats from terrorism and banditry.
The former vice president commended the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, acknowledging their role in ensuring the safe return of the captives.
According to him, Nigeria’s security forces possess the capacity to defeat insurgency if they receive adequate support, modern equipment, and effective political leadership.
“I am confident that with the necessary resources and strong political will, the military can bring an end to the insurgency that has plagued the country for nearly two decades,” he said.
While celebrating the successful operation, Atiku called on the government and security agencies to sustain momentum in efforts to rescue other abducted Nigerians, including nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers reportedly kidnapped in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa in Borno State.
He stressed that every effort should be made to secure the freedom of those still being held by terrorists and bandits across the country.
Atiku also advocated a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security framework, emphasizing the need for greater reliance on intelligence gathering, technological innovation, and preventive security measures capable of stopping attacks before they occur.
He argued that a security architecture built on intelligence-driven operations and proactive interventions would significantly improve the country’s ability to combat terrorism and banditry.
Meanwhile, the military described the Borno operation as one of the most significant hostage rescue missions carried out in the North-East in recent years.
According to military authorities, the mission followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert surveillance, and meticulous planning, ultimately leading to the safe recovery of men, women, and children who had endured harsh conditions in captivity after being abducted from communities within the Ngoshe axis and surrounding areas.
