Atiku praises troops over rescue of 360 Boko Haram captives in Borno

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the rescue of 360 people abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State.

Atiku in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to free other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers and insurgents.

Atiku commended the Nigerian military, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for successfully rescuing the abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist hideout in southern Borno.

The rescue followed a March attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military base in Ngoshe. During the assault, the insurgents reportedly burnt operational vehicles, scattered security personnel, killed an unspecified number of people and abducted several residents.

Reacting to reports of the operation, Atiku described the development as a source of relief for the victims and their families who had endured months of uncertainty.

“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State.”

“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 said.

The former vice president praised the military and other security agencies involved in the mission, saying their commitment 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 stated.

Atiku also expressed confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s armed forces to overcome insurgency if provided with adequate support and effective political leadership.

He further called for the rescue of nearly 100 schoolchildren and teachers reportedly abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa, Borno State, alongside other victims still in captivity.

The ADC presidential candidate also advocated reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing the need for greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, technology and preventive measures to combat terrorism and banditry.