Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the successful rescue of 360 residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State who had been held captive by insurgents since March.
The victims, comprising men, women and children, were freed on Saturday during a coordinated military operation conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, in the Mandara Mountains area of southern Borno State.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, the military said the rescue followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and detailed operational planning.
According to the military, Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 successfully penetrated a heavily fortified enclave operated by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), leading to the safe recovery of the abductees who had endured harsh conditions in captivity after being kidnapped from communities within the Ngoshe axis.
Security sources revealed that six of the victims had earlier been rescued last month around Amuda, a deserted area located between Ngoshe and Gava.
Reacting to the development, Senator Ndume described the operation as remarkable and praised the professionalism, resilience and patriotism of officers and men of the Nigerian Army despite prevailing logistical challenges.
The lawmaker expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division Maiduguri, and the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade, Gwoza, for their roles in the successful mission.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Babagana Zulum, noting that the governor’s support played a significant role in the operation’s success.
Senator Ndume further commended Zubaida Umar and the National Emergency Management Agency for providing relief materials to the rescued and displaced persons.
The senator called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to complement efforts aimed at rebuilding Ngoshe community, stressing that many displaced residents are willing to return home if adequate security and infrastructure are restored.
He also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted in Mussa, Askira Local Government Area, as well as travellers kidnapped along the Biu–Buratai Road.
Ndume, however, condemned the recent killing of soldiers and repentant Boko Haram volunteers in Mandaragra village of Biu Local Government Area, describing the incident as a setback in ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.
