- Atiku Reacts Over Rescue of 360 Abductees in Borno State
- Calls for intensified efforts to free remaining kidnapped Nigerians
- Urges reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture and intelligence system
The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has commended the rescue of 360 persons abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, describing the development as a major relief for victims and their families.
The former Vice President, however, urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still held captive by terrorists and bandits across the country.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Panic as Flood Sweeps Man Away After Heavy Rainfall in Delta
- Boko Haram Releases 416 Abducted Women, Children In Borno
- MTN Boss Rejects Claims of Expensive Data in Nigeria
EKO HOT BLOG reports that it was reported that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully rescued the 360 abductees from the Mandara Mountains, a known terrorist hideout in southern Borno State.
The victims were abducted following a deadly attack by Boko Haram insurgents on a military formation in Ngoshe. During the assault, the terrorists reportedly overran the base, set operational vehicles ablaze, scattered security personnel, killed an unspecified number of people, and abducted several residents.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Atiku expressed relief over the outcome of the rescue operation.
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said.
He noted that the development had brought relief to victims who had endured months of uncertainty since their abduction 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 praised the military and other security agencies involved in the operation, saying their coordinated efforts made the 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 said.
He expressed confidence that the Nigerian Armed Forces could defeat insurgency if adequately supported with the right tools 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.
Calls for Rescue of Other Kidnapped Victims
Atiku further stressed that many Nigerians remain in captivity and must not be forgotten. He 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, alongside other victims nationwide.
“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 Reform
The former Vice President also renewed calls for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture. He advocated stronger emphasis on intelligence gathering, technology, and preventive operations.
According to him, Nigeria must move beyond reactive responses and adopt strategies capable of preventing 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.
Atiku maintained that while the rescue of the 360 abductees represents a significant success, sustained reforms and coordinated security efforts remain critical to ending insecurity across the country.
