The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the successful rescue of 360 individuals who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while urging the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the freedom of other Nigerians still being held captive by terrorists and bandits across the country.
The development follows a major military operation carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, which led to the rescue of hundreds of abductees from the Mandara Mountains, an area widely regarded as a stronghold for terrorist groups operating in southern Borno State.
The rescue operation comes months after Boko Haram insurgents reportedly launched an attack on a military formation in Ngoshe. During the assault, operational vehicles were set ablaze, security personnel were forced to retreat, several casualties were recorded, and numerous residents were abducted and taken into captivity.
Reacting to reports of the successful rescue, Atiku expressed delight over the development, describing it as a significant relief for both the victims and their families who had endured months of uncertainty and emotional distress since the abductions occurred in March.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Monday, the former Vice President said the successful operation marked the end of a painful chapter for the victims and their loved ones.
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he stated.
“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.”
Atiku also praised the Nigerian military and other security agencies involved in the operation, acknowledging their commitment and professionalism in ensuring the safe recovery of the victims.
“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees,” he said.
The former Vice President expressed optimism that the country’s security forces possess the capacity to decisively tackle insurgency and banditry if provided with adequate resources, equipment, and strategic leadership.
According to him, the prolonged security crisis can be overcome through stronger support for security agencies and a more coordinated national response.
“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,” he added.
While celebrating the rescue operation, Atiku stressed that many Nigerians remain in captivity and should not be forgotten. He specifically referenced the cases of schoolchildren and teachers reportedly abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Mussa in Borno State.
He called on security agencies to sustain rescue operations and ensure that all victims still being held by criminal groups are safely reunited with their families.
“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 said.
Atiku further advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing the importance of intelligence gathering, technological deployment, and preventive security measures.
According to him, security agencies should focus more on proactive strategies capable of detecting and neutralizing threats before attacks occur.
“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,” Atiku added.
The rescue of the 360 abductees has been widely celebrated as one of the most significant breakthroughs in recent counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, providing renewed hope to communities affected by years of terrorist activities in the region.
