The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed reports of the rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while urging the government to intensify efforts to free other Nigerians still in captivity across the country.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Monday, Mr Atiku described the rescue as a major relief for the abductees and their families.
“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.”
The rescue operation was reportedly carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno, known as a major terrorist enclave.
The victims had reportedly been abducted during attacks on Ngoshe community in March after Boko Haram insurgents overran a military base, destroyed operational vehicles, dispersed security personnel and kidnapped several residents.
The former Vice President praised the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, saying their coordinated efforts made the successful rescue possible.
“I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees,” he added.
Calls for more rescue operations
Mr Atiku urged authorities not to relent in efforts to rescue other victims still being held by terrorists and bandits across Nigeria.
He specifically mentioned abducted schoolchildren and teachers reportedly 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 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.
Demand for security reforms
The former presidential candidate also called for a restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing the need for intelligence-driven operations and technological advancements.
According to him, improved intelligence gathering, preventive strategies and stronger political leadership are critical to defeating insurgency and banditry.
“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,” Mr Atiku stated.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s armed forces could overcome insurgency if adequately equipped and properly supported.
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