Atiku Hails Rescue Of 360 Abductees In Borno, Calls For Intensified Efforts To Free Remaining Victims

Atiku Hails Rescue of 360 Abductees in Borno, Calls for Intensified Efforts to Free Remaining Victims Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the rescue of 360 people abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State, while urging security authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still in captivity. The rescued individuals were freed during a military operation carried out by troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the Mandara Mountains, a known insurgent stronghold in southern Borno State. The victims had reportedly been abducted following a deadly attack by Boko Haram insurgents on a military formation and surrounding communities in Ngoshe. In a statement shared via his social media handle, Atiku expressed relief over the development, describing the rescue as a major breakthrough that brought relief to the victims and their families after months of uncertainty. He praised the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies involved in the operation, noting that their courage and coordination led to the successful rescue of the abductees. While celebrating the outcome, the former Vice President stressed that the development should not distract from the broader security challenges facing the country. He called on authorities to sustain and strengthen ongoing operations aimed at freeing other abducted citizens across Nigeria. Atiku specifically referenced reports of schoolchildren and teachers allegedly kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as victims abducted in Mussa, Borno State, urging swift action to secure their release. He further called for reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing the need for improved intelligence gathering, advanced technology deployment, and proactive strategies to prevent attacks before they occur. According to him, Nigeria’s security forces are capable of ending the long-running insurgency if adequately equipped and supported with effective political leadership. The rescue operation has been widely described by military authorities as one of the most significant hostage recovery missions in recent months in the North-East, an area heavily affected by insurgency and banditry. Authorities also confirmed that the freed victims are currently receiving medical attention and humanitarian support as part of post-rescue stabilization efforts.