Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed reports of the rescue of 360 people abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while urging authorities to intensify efforts to free other victims still in captivity across the country.
The rescue operation, carried out by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, brought an end to months of uncertainty for the victims and their families following their abduction in March after Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Ngoshe, destroyed operational vehicles, overran security personnel, and kidnapped residents.
Reacting to the development in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Atiku expressed relief over the successful operation.
“I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State,” he said.
“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 former vice president commended the military and other security agencies involved in the operation for their efforts in securing the victims' release.
“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 capacity of Nigeria’s armed forces to defeat insurgency if provided with adequate 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,” he said.
While celebrating the rescue, he called on the government and security agencies to sustain efforts toward securing the release of other abducted Nigerians, including 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 schoolchildren 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.
Atiku further advocated reforms to the nation’s security framework, stressing the importance of intelligence-driven operations, technological advancement, and preventive measures.
“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,” Atiku added.