The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has applauded the rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, describing the development as a major relief for the victims and their families.
The former Vice President, however, urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the release of other Nigerians still being held captive by terrorists and bandits across the country.
It was reported earlier that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully rescued 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a notorious terrorist stronghold in southern Borno State.
Naijaonpoint reports that the victims were kidnapped following a deadly attack by Boko Haram insurgents on a military formation in Ngoshe.
During the assault, the terrorists reportedly overran the military base, set operational vehicles ablaze, dispersed security personnel, killed an unspecified number of people and abducted several residents.
Reacting to reports of the rescue, Atiku, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, expressed joy over the successful operation and the return of the abductees.
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said.
The former Vice President noted that the development had brought an end to months of uncertainty and anguish endured by the victims and their loved ones since the abduction occurred in March.
“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,” he stated.
Atiku also commended the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, saying their coordinated efforts were instrumental to the successful rescue mission.
“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.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces to overcome insurgency and restore peace to troubled parts of the country if provided with the necessary support and leadership.
“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,” Atiku added.
While celebrating the rescue operation, the former Vice President stressed that many Nigerians remain in captivity and should not be forgotten.
He specifically called for intensified efforts to rescue schoolchildren and teachers reportedly abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and Mussa community in Borno State, as well as other victims of kidnapping across the country.
“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.
Push for security reforms
Atiku further renewed calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, arguing that greater emphasis should be placed on intelligence gathering, technological innovation and preventive security measures.
According to him, the country must move beyond reactive responses and adopt strategies capable of stopping attacks before they 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,” he stated.
The former Vice President maintained that while the rescue of the Ngoshe abductees represents a significant success in the fight against insurgency, sustained efforts and strategic reforms remain crucial to ending terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
