Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has hailed the Nigerian military for rescuing 360 abductees from Boko Haram captivity in Ngoshe, Borno State, while warning the government not to let other abductees, including schoolchildren, remain in terrorist hands.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI rescued the victims from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist stronghold, months after Boko Haram attacked a military base in the area, destroying vehicles, killing several personnel, and abducting civilians.
Atiku, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, described the rescue as a relief for the victims and their families, but emphasised that the fight against terrorism is far from over.
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said. “I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees.”
The former vice president warned that other abducted Nigerians must be rescued urgently, including nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State.
“Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue all other Nigerians still in the custody of terrorists and bandits,” Atiku said.
He also called for reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, advocating intelligence-driven operations, better technology, and preventive strategies to curb attacks before they occur. Atiku stressed that with proper equipment and strong political leadership, the military could finally end the insurgency that has plagued the country for nearly two decades.
